Bengaluru News: Questions have surfaced over the alleged luxurious treatment given to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. The controversy began after a photo and video of Darshan, purportedly taken inside Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, were leaked on social media on Sunday, August 25.


In the leaked photo, Darshan is seen sitting comfortably on a chair, holding a coffee mug and a cigarette. A video allegedly showing him making a video call from within the jail also emerged, sparking widespread criticism and raising concerns over the apparent laxity in jail protocols.


As a result of the ensuing public outcry, nine prison officials, including the Chief Jail Superintendent, were suspended on Monday following an internal inquiry into the matter. The suspension was prompted by allegations that these officials had allowed Darshan to receive special privileges while in custody.


On actor Darshan's issue, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said, "We have ordered for an enquiry, already several officers are suspended if required others will also be suspended."


3 Teams Formed To Probe Incident


Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda confirmed that three separate cases have been registered in connection with the incident. The police have also formed three special teams to investigate the matter. These teams, led by DCP (South East) Saaran Fathima, have been tasked with probing different aspects of the alleged violations, including how banned substances like cigarettes and mobile phones were smuggled into the prison, and how Darshan was able to connect with known rowdy elements within the jail, as reported by IANS.


One team is investigating the actor’s interactions with these elements, including how they arranged for him to sit on the lawn outside the barrack. Another team is focusing on the source of the leaked photo and video, seeking to determine how mobile phones and internet access were obtained within the highly secure prison environment. The third team is looking into the dereliction of duty by jail officers who may have facilitated or overlooked these breaches.


Bengaluru Police Likely To Shift Darshan From Parappana Agrahara Jail


The controversy has led the Bengaluru Police to seek the transfer of Darshan and other key suspects in the Renukaswamy murder case, as well as several notorious rowdy elements, from Parappana Agrahara Jail to other prisons. Commissioner Dayananda indicated that court approval is being sought to enable these transfers, emphasizing the need to prevent further illegal activities within the prison, according to a report on PTI.


Dayananda also noted that despite recent inspections by the Central Crime Branch, which found no incriminating evidence at the time, there are suspicions that contraband and other materials may have been moved before the raid. The investigation into these potential irregularities is ongoing.


Renukaswamy Murder Case


Earlier, according to police, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of actor Darshan, allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, which enraged Darshan and reportedly led to Renukaswamy's murder. His body was discovered near a stormwater drain by an apartment in Sumanahalli on June 9.


A total of 17 people, including Darshan and his friend Pavithra Gowda, are currently in judicial custody in connection with Renukaswamy's murder.


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