Former MP Prajwal Revanna has been remanded to two days of police custody in connection with the alleged use of a mobile phone inside his cell at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
Revanna, along with his former cellmate Pratap Rai, was produced before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Court 42 on Tuesday. Police sought their custody through a body warrant as part of the investigation into the violation of prison rules.
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The court granted police custody of both accused for two days. Following the order, Revanna was taken to the Parappana Agrahara police station, located less than 500 metres from the prison.
Revanna has been named accused No. 2 in the case, while Rai is accused No. 1.
The case stems from a surprise search conducted at the Central Prison on August 11. During the raid, Central Crime Branch personnel allegedly recovered a 5G smartphone from a high-security cell on the first floor, where Revanna and Rai were lodged.
According to investigators, the phone contained several applications, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Police also found videos on the device. The applications were reportedly protected by passwords, which the inmates allegedly did not disclose during the initial questioning.
Investigators also recovered a charger, a pen drive and a scribbling pad from the cell.
During the preliminary inquiry, Revanna reportedly claimed that the scribbling pad belonged to him. Police said it contained several phone numbers, including those of family members, friends and his advocate.
Rai, meanwhile, allegedly told officials that the mobile phone, charger and pen drive belonged to him.
The investigation has also raised questions over how the prohibited items entered the high-security prison and whether prison personnel were involved in facilitating their access.
Police are now expected to question both Revanna and Rai about who provided the mobile phone and other items, when they received them and how the devices were allegedly used inside the prison.
The case has also led to action against prison officials. Several personnel were suspended for alleged dereliction of duty after the prohibited items were recovered during the search.
Revanna is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted in a rape case in August 2025. Rai, his former cellmate, is lodged in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The latest development comes as investigators widen their probe into the alleged breach of security at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. Apart from establishing ownership of the seized devices, police are examining how a smartphone and other prohibited articles reached a high-security cell and whether anyone inside the prison helped facilitate their entry.
The two-day police custody is expected to give investigators an opportunity to question the accused directly and establish the sequence of events surrounding the recovery of the phone.
