Prisoner's stomach conceals mobile phones, earphones, cables

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Inside the confines of Bengaluru Central Jail, the routine lives of three young prison wardens took an unexpected turn when Rehman Khan, an undertrial, entered their world.

What began as a typical day on duty soon transformed into a complex situation when Khan complained of severe abdominal pain on September 10, 2023, sparking suspicion among jail doctors about the contents of his stomach.

During a six-day stay at Victoria Hospital, a startling revelation emerged: a 10x5 packet surgically removed from Khan's stomach contained contraband, including three mobile phones, three earphones, and four charging cables.

This discovery sent shockwaves through the jail authorities, prompting a formal complaint against Khan.

As investigations progressed, attention turned toward the possible involvement of the jail staff.

Fearing potential career repercussions, the three implicated warders—Rabindranath K Hugara, Anand Kadakol, and Dorenaik PR— sought anticipatory bail.

Hugara, with aspirations of becoming a Police SubInspector, emphasised the impact of a tainted record on his career ambitions.

Maintaining their innocence, the warders asserted no association with the discovered contraband.

Despite rigorous search protocols during Khan's admission, no incriminating evidence was found. However, the journey towards securing bail faced obstacles.

The public prosecutor expressed concerns about potential witness tampering if the warders were granted relief. Judge Sriram Narayana Hegde scrutinised the case, noting the absence of direct allegations against the applicants in the complaint or First Information Report (FIR).

As the legal saga unfolded, the fate of the young warders hung in balance.