Five Kadapa Jail Officials Suspended Over Nexus With Red Sander Smugglers

An enquiry led by Rajahmundry Prisons DIG Ravi Kiran last week followed a series of complaints and allegations that judicial remand prisoners were being provided various facilities, including access to multiple mobile phones, enabling them to continue illegal activities from inside the prison.

DIG Ravi Kiran reportedly seized at least 10 mobile phones from the red sander smugglers, including those detained under the PD Act. He submitted a report to the Prisons DGP stating that staff at various levels had colluded with inmates by supplying them mobile phones and other facilities from outside.

On Tuesday, the DGP issued suspension orders for jailor Appa Rao, deputy superintendent Kamalakar, and three warders for allowing mobile phones to reach the smugglers, enabling them to continue their operations from within prison.

Allegations have persisted for years about the nexus between prison staff and smugglers, with reports indicating that smugglers were being extended facilities instead of facing strict enforcement. Kadapa prison has been a primary holding centre for international and interstate red sander smugglers, as well as local gangs, who are held in judicial custody after being arrested during task force and police raids.

Sources said further action will include transferring long-standing staff to other prisons as part of a reform process.