Following the circulation of photos showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa interacting with three jail inmates, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the state police to transfer Darshan and the others to different jails. This action came after a viral photograph depicted Darshan, who is currently in judicial custody in the Renukaswamy murder case, relaxing with other inmates.
CM Siddaramaiah has taken the matter seriously, stating, “The government has taken the case of providing royal hospitality to actor Darshan and others in Parappana Agrahara Jail seriously, and I have suggested that the guilty officials should be suspended immediately. I have instructed the State Director General of Police to immediately transfer Darshan and others to different jails and to visit the jail and give a full report on the case.”
ಪರಪ್ಪನ ಅಗ್ರಹಾರ ಜೈಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಟ ದರ್ಶನ್ ಮತ್ತಿತರರಿಗೆ ರಾಜಾತಿಥ್ಯ ಒದಗಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಪ್ರಕರಣವನ್ನು ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಗಂಭೀರವಾಗಿ ಪರಿಗಣಿಸಿದ್ದು, ತಪ್ಪಿತಸ್ಥ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಕೂಡಲೇ ಅಮಾನತು ಮಾಡುವಂತೆ ಸೂಚಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ.
ದರ್ಶನ್ ಮತ್ತು ಇತರರನ್ನು ಕೂಡಲೇ ಬೇರೆ ಬೇರೆ ಕಾರಾಗೃಹಗಳಿಗೆ ಸ್ಥಳಾಂತರ ಮಾಡುವಂತೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾರಾಗೃಹಕ್ಕೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ಪ್ರಕರಣದ…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 26, 2024
Alleged VIP Treatment in Jail
The viral image shows Darshan, currently held at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, sitting comfortably with a cigarette and coffee cup, surrounded by gangster Wilson Garden Naga, and inmates Nagaraj (Darshan’s manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena. Additionally, a video surfaced showing Darshan allegedly speaking to his aide via video call from within the prison. There is no official confirmation whether the photo was taken inside the jail or elsewhere.
Currently, 17 people, including Darshan and his friend Pavithra Gowda, are in judicial custody related to the murder of Darshan’s fan, Renukaswamy.
Suspension of Prison Officials
An investigation was launched after the photo went viral, leading to the suspension of seven Bengaluru prison officials, including two jailors. DG Prisons Malini Krishnamurthy is inspecting the Bengaluru Central Prison as the investigation continues.
The suspended officials include Jailers Sharana Basava Ameenagada, Prabhu S Khandelwal, Assistant Jailer LS Tippe Swamy, Srikanth Talwar, Head Wardens Venkatappa Murthy and Venkatappa Kattoli, Warden Basappa Teli, and Sampath Kumar Kadapatti. Home Minister G Parameshwara reported that the inquiry was conducted until early morning, resulting in the immediate suspension of these officers. The jail superintendent will also be transferred once the report is completed.
The Home Minister added, “…Yesterday evening, we acted as quickly as possible. Senior police officials went there and conducted an investigation. Preliminary findings identified about seven people involved, who have been immediately suspended. Further investigations are ongoing, and if senior officers are found to be involved, we will take action against them as well.”