7 Prison Officials Suspended for Giving VIP Treatment to Actor Darshan in Jail

Photo : X / @Shehzad_Ind

Bengaluru: Seven prison officials in Bengaluru have been suspended following an investigation into a viral photograph and video showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa receiving preferential treatment while in custody. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar confirmed the suspensions, calling the incident a "serious security lapse."

The controversy erupted after images and videos surfaced online depicting Darshan, who is currently held at the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. The photograph shows Darshan in a relaxed posture, sitting on a chair with a cigarette and coffee cup, surrounded by three individuals. Reports suggest that those with him include Wilson Garden Naga, Nagaraj (the actor’s manager and co-accused), and Kulla Seena, another inmate. Additionally, a video allegedly showing Darshan on a video call has also circulated.

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"The police went there and investigated. Based on a preliminary inquiry, they have found seven officers involved in this, and they have been suspended. Now we are investigating the matter further," Parameshwar said. He emphasized the seriousness of the security breach and promised further investigation.

Darshan, along with 16 others including his friend Pavithra Gowda, is in judicial custody for the murder of Renukaswamy, a crime that has garnered significant media attention due to the actor's celebrity status. Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, was reportedly killed after sending obscene messages to Gowda, which allegedly provoked Darshan. The victim's body was discovered on June 9 near a stormwater drain next to an apartment.

The incident has provoked widespread criticism, with many questioning the level of privilege afforded to Darshan. Kashinath S Shivanagowdru, Renukaswamy’s father, has called for a thorough investigation and suggested that the case might warrant a CBI probe. “Looking at the picture, I'm surprised to see him (Darshan) with others holding a cigarette and drinking tea. We doubt whether he is in jail or not. Jail should be a jail and should not become something else. He should be treated like other normal prisoners,” Shivanagowdru said.

The investigation revealed that Raghavendra, a member of Darshan’s fan club, lured Renukaswamy to a location in RR Nagar under the pretense of meeting the actor. The victim was then allegedly tortured and killed. According to the post-mortem report, Renukaswamy died from shock and hemorrhage due to multiple blunt injuries.

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