Stills from the leaked video that recorded the dances inside the Bijapur Central Jail.
The leaked video of a woman dancing to Bollywood item numbers inside the premises of the Bijapur Central jail on Republic Day has left Karnataka's Congress government red-faced. The video, which was later aired by local television channels, also shows a member of the audience throwing money at the dancer.
The event was reportedly held during a function to mark the release of 38 prisoners for good conduct. But the dance was over before minister MB Patil and other dignitaries arrived for the function.
As the authorities sought a report from the jail officials, state home minister G Parameshwara said the government has taken the matter seriously. "We have already asked the DGP to suspend the accused officer."
Two jail officials -- jail in-charge PS Ambekar and warden Sampat -- and a policeman, Head Constable Gundalli, were suspended today.
While cultural programmes are allowed inside the jail, sources told NDTV that four women from dance bars were hired for this show.
What is also worrying the authorities were the presence of cellphones inside the jail premises, which is a violation of procedures. Even prison officials are not allowed carry cellphones inside jail.
The minister, however, added that this was "not an incident that attracts national attention."
In April last year, jail officials and hardcore criminals had come together at a jail in Punjab's Tarn Taran to watch an illegal dance show by women performers.
An inquiry later revealed that a hefty amount was paid to the performers for provocative dances. In videos of the event, hardcore criminals were seen sharing dais with the top jail official in the state.