Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, currently in judicial custody in connection with a murder case, is being transferred to Bellary jail following a controversy over alleged special treatment in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The move comes after a viral photograph showed the actor in a relaxed setting with three other inmates, sparking public outrage and raising questions about preferential treatment behind bars.
The viral image, which shows Darshan casually holding a cup in one hand and a cigarette in the other while mingling with fellow inmates, led to widespread criticism. The actor appeared alongside notorious gangster Wilson Garden Naga and other accused individuals, including Nagaraj, Darshan’s manager, and Kulla Seena. The group appeared to be engaged in a relaxed conversation, further fueling the debate about the privileges allegedly extended to the actor in jail.
In response to the outcry, a Bengaluru court ordered the immediate transfer of Darshan to Bellary jail and instructed jail authorities to investigate the matter. The other accused in the case will also be transferred to different jails within Karnataka, while Darshan’s girlfriend, Pavitra Gowda, who is also implicated in the murder case, will remain in the Bengaluru jail.
The incident has drawn significant attention, particularly in light of the Karnataka High Court’s recent emphasis on the equal treatment of all citizens and undertrial prisoners. The court’s ruling came after Darshan filed a petition challenging a magistrate court’s decision to deny his request for home-cooked food, bedding, and cutlery while in custody.
The case against Darshan stems from the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, whose body was discovered near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli on June 9. According to police reports, the victim had allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavitra Gowda, Darshan’s co-star and girlfriend, which reportedly infuriated the actor and led to the fatal incident. Darshan, along with 16 others, including Gowda, was arrested in connection with the crime.
As the investigation into the murder continues, the latest developments surrounding Darshan’s alleged VIP treatment in jail have further complicated the case, prompting authorities to take swift action to address the public’s concerns. The inquiry into the preferential treatment allegations is ongoing, with the findings expected to have significant implications for the handling of high-profile inmates in the state.
Sources By Agencies
