Bengaluru News: The Karnataka government has suspended seven officials of Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison after a probe into a viral photograph and video showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa receiving what appears to be special treatment while in custody. The action came a day after a purported photo of Darshan smoking a cigarette in jail premises went viral on social media. 


"Yesterday evening our officers went and inquired. Seven officers were kept under suspension. This is a lapse. This should not be repeated. We also have some responsibility," said Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara.


Darshan is currently lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. On Sunday, a controversy erupted after a purported photograph of the Kannada actor hanging out with three others went viral. In the picture, Darshan was seen in a relaxed mood, sitting on a chair, holding a cigarette and a coffee cup, in an open space.






According to some reports, those seated with Darshan are rowdy sheeter Wilson Garden Naga and other inmates Nagaraj (the actor's manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena.  


Later another purported video of Darshan speaking to a person over a video call also surfaced online. There has been no official confirmation so far on whether the purported photo and video were from within the jail premises or elsewhere in the past or whether they are doctored material.  






 A total of 17 people, including Darshan along with his friend Pavithra Gowda, are currently in judicial custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy.  Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda had recently said the final report will be submitted to the court by the police in the murder case, at the earliest, after getting the remaining forensic reports.  


According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Gowda, which enraged Darshan, allegedly leading to the fan's murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli here on June 9.