Seven prison officials in Bengaluru have been suspended following an investigation into a viral photograph and video showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa allegedly receiving special treatment while in judicial custody. The investigation was initiated after images and videos surfaced online, sparking widespread outrage and criticism.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar confirmed the suspensions, stating, “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. It’s a serious security lapse.”
The image depicts the actor sitting on a chair, holding a cigarette and a cup. Reports suggest that the individuals with Darshan include known criminal Wilson Garden Naga, Nagaraj — Darshan’s manager and co-accused — and fellow inmate Kulla Seena. Additionally, a video allegedly showing Darshan speaking to someone over a video call has also been widely circulated.
The controversy erupted after a photograph emerged showing Darshan, currently held at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, appearing relaxed and casual in the company of three other individuals.
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The incident has led to public outrage, with many questioning the preferential treatment allegedly afforded to Darshan. The actor, along with 16 others, including his friend Pavithra Gowda, is in judicial custody related to the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan.
According to police reports, Renukaswamy had allegedly sent obscene messages to Gowda, which is believed to have provoked Darshan, leading to the fan’s murder. The victim’s body was found near a stormwater drain in RR Nagar, Bengaluru, on June 9.
Renukaswamy’s father, Kashinath S Shivanagowdru, has called for a thorough investigation and stricter action against those responsible for the alleged special treatment.
“With such things, there is a feeling that a CBI probe should happen,” he stated. Referring to the viral images, he added, “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, but here it looks like he seems to be sitting in a resort.”
The ongoing investigation has also revealed disturbing details about the crime. Raghavendra, a member of a Darshan fan club, allegedly lured Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar under the false pretense of meeting the actor. It was there that the victim was reportedly tortured and killed. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Renukaswamy died due to shock and hemorrhage from multiple blunt injuries.
As the investigation progresses, the spotlight remains on ensuring justice is served, both in the treatment of prisoners and in the handling of the Renukaswamy murder case. The incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the prison system and the influence of celebrity status within the judicial process.
