18/10/2026
What happened:
- Convict: Shankar A, convicted in 2001 kidnapping-for-ransom case (Chickpet PS, Bengaluru). Fast Track Court-I gave him life imprisonment + Rs 10,000 fine on July 12, 2004.
- His appeals in Karnataka HC and Supreme Court failed, conviction was upheld.
The Fraud (2018):
- On Nov 13, 2018, he walked out of Bengaluru Central Prison (Parappana Agrahara) after prison staff submitted a fake Supreme Court order dated Nov 2, 2018, saying he was ordered to be released.
- Police found the order was forged by Srikanth S, then Second Division Assistant (now FDA) in Convict Prisoner Section, using SC seal and name.
- The then Chief Superintendent of Central Prison, M. Somashekar (now DIG, North Range, Kalaburagi) approved the release based on that fake order.
How it came out:
- For 8 years no one noticed. On May 20, 2026, Superintendent-in-charge Karna B. Kshetri filed complaint at Parappana Agrahara police.
- Investigation led to arrest of Srikanth and Shankar. On Oct 5, 2026, DIG M Somashekar was arrested.
Shocking twist:
- Shankar's wife alleged that both officials sexually exploited her for years promising her husband's release. She said Somashekar made regular video calls and exploited her.
- After release, Shankar allegedly left her and married another woman, so she exposed the whole racket to the Prison Department.
- Police seized Somashekar's mobile for forensic analysis and took handwriting samples. He allegedly confessed to instructing staff to create fake SC order
Now he is in police custody till Oct 9 and facing suspension, case under IPC 465, 468, 471, 420 (forgery, cheating)
Disclaimer: The case is sub-judice and under investigation. Content is compiled from online public sources. The alleged role of officers is accusatory in nature and requires judicial proof. Presumption of innocence applies.
