The Karnataka Government has suspended the officials of Vijayapura's Central Jail, who had organised an 'item dance' for inmates during the Republic Day celebrations this year.
The prison officials had drawn flak for arranging two dance girls from Mumbai to perform in the jail purportedly to reward the prisoners for their good behaviour.
"I have asked the prison officials to keep those involved in it under suspension," Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara told reporters here.
"The Supreme Court has given direction to release the prisoners on the basis of their conduct, character and behaviour after 14 years of imprisonment, so that is the law not that they have allowed superintendents to conduct dances and all," he added.
The entertainment programme was held before the formal Republic Day on Tuesday during which 38 inmates were released.
