Is Kannada actor Darshan, accused of murder, getting VIP treatment in jail? Viral photo sparks controversy – India TV

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently lodged in the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, was seen receiving VIP treatment in the jail in a picture that went viral on social media. A photo purportedly shows the actor sitting casually on a chair with a cigarette and a coffee cup, enjoying an open space with three other people.

According to reports, those pictured with Darshan include violent bedsheet-layer Wilson Garden Naga, inmates Nagaraj (the actor's manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena. In addition, a video has surfaced purportedly showing Darshan on a video call.

There is no official confirmation yet as to whether the alleged photos and videos of Darshan Thoogudeepa were taken inside the prison premises, are from an earlier period or are doctored material.

Renukaswamy's father demands investigation

Reacting to the picture, Renukaswamy's father, Kashinath S. Shivanagowdru, demanded an investigation into the matter and those responsible to be held accountable, expressing fear that the situation might warrant a CBI probe.

“When I look at the picture, I am surprised to see him (Darshan) with others, holding a cigarette and drinking tea. We have doubts whether he is in jail or not. 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 recreational area,” he told reporters in the district capital Chitradurga.

Stating that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and police officials had promised him justice, he said, “The culprits should be punished and through this, my son's soul should find peace. I know the pain of losing my son… we are suffering deeply and he (Darshan) seems to be enjoying being there in jail… We still have faith in the police and the government.”

BJP on viral image

The opposition BJP asked the Home Minister to clarify whether the Parappana Agrahara jail was a “prison or a palace”. BJP leader and MLC N Ravi Kumar condemned the situation and alleged that the prison authorities and police had provided Darshan with a “luxurious stay and royal hospitality” in the jail.

“This is the culmination of Congress's mismanagement… This underlines the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The Home Ministry has completely failed,” he said, urging the government to immediately investigate the matter and take action against the guilty officials and staff so that such incidents do not occur in the jail in future.

A total of 17 people, including Darshan and his friend Pavithra Gowda, are currently in judicial custody in connection with Renukaswamy's murder. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda had recently said that the police would submit the final report in the murder case to the court at the earliest after receiving the remaining forensic reports.

Renukaswamy murder case

According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Gowda, which infuriated Darshan and allegedly led to the fan's murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain adjacent to a flat in Sumanahalli on June 9.

Raghavendra, one of the accused, who is a member of Darshan's fan club in Chitradurga, had taken Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar on the pretext that the actor wanted to meet him. In this shed, he was allegedly tortured and murdered. According to the autopsy report, Renukaswamy, a native of Chitradurga, died of shock and haemorrhage due to multiple blunt injuries.

(With PTI image)

Also read: Renukaswamy murder case: Court extends remand of Darshan Thoogudeepa till July 4

Also read: Another setback for Darshan in Renukaswamy murder case, court extends police custody by two days