Jailed Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s video call goes viral

An undated photograph of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, showing him in judicial custody smoking a cigarette and chatting with three people in the garden area of ​​Parapana Agrahara Jail in Bengaluru, went viral on social media on Sunday. Now, a video showing him on a video call with another man is doing the rounds on social media.

LiveMint could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

According to a report by NDTVThe video begins with a man in a yellow t-shirt smiling at another man on a video call. The second man then walks away with his phone, points the camera away from his face and hands it to someone else.

In the meantime, Darshan appears on the screen and waves his hand cheerfully to greet the man. The man asks Darshan through his gestures if he has eaten.

A smiling Darshan Thoogudeepa nods in response as the two say goodbye and end the conversation.

The 25-second viral video clip shows Darshan sitting in a brightly lit room. Behind him, a large curtain covers the wall and a few items of clothing hang on hooks, according to the report.

Why is Darshan Thoogudeepa in prison?

Darshan Thoogudeepa and his friend, actor Pavithra Gowda, are among the 16 people currently in judicial custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga district in Karnataka.

Renukaswamy, 33, had reportedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, after which Darshan Thoogudeepa allegedly planned and executed his murder. Renukaswamy's body was found near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru on June 9.

On August 25, 2024, a photo of the Kannada actor went viral in which he is seen sitting on a lawn chair next to three men, including gangster Wilson Garden Naga and his manager. Since the video was released, netizens and local BJP politicians have raised concerns that the actor and his associates are being given special accommodation in prison.

A senior police officer confirmed to the Deccan Herald that prison authorities have launched an internal investigation into the matter.

Renukaswamy's father, Shivanagouder, demanded a CBI probe and punishment of those responsible after the photo went viral on social media. The father said, “The jail should be a jail and not become something else. He should be treated like other normal prisoners, but here it looks like he is sitting in a resort,” reported NDTV.