Internet angry about photo and video of Darshan receiving “VIP treatment” in prison: “He lives like Pablo Escobar”

Darshan's leaked picture and video

On Sunday, a picture surfaced online showing Darshan sitting on a lawn in the prison, smoking a cigarette, drinking a drink and chatting with other inmates. Although the picture is undated, it was enough to spark resentment. To make matters worse, a video also surfaced online showing Darshan talking to someone via video call.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara termed it an “oversight” and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Seven prison officials were suspended on Monday. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also spoke to the press and claimed that there was no “nepotism” involved. “We are thinking of transferring Darshan and others in this case. It is an oversight that has happened at the official level,” he said.

Dissatisfaction on the Internet with “VIP treatment”

When the picture and video were leaked, people shared their views on the matter on X (formerly Twitter). One person shared the picture and wrote, “So what did you all expect? Come on, not just Darshan, every VIP is treated equally in jail. The country runs on power, influence and money. Only for the common man are the rules, constitution, mandates and laws.”

“Is Darshan really as kindhearted as his fans say? His charitable food donations on his birthday and his reputation as an animal lover – are they real?” asked another. Someone said, “If that's the case, what's the point of keeping criminals in jail? Send Darshan home. Just let him face court.”

Someone even compared him to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, writing: “This is a very worrying matter!! He lives like Pablo Escobar and has made prison his personal sanctuary. The government needs to think about this video.”

In addition, numerous memes started circulating with Darshan's photo, talking about the police treatment of “rich people” after a “murder” and the police treatment of “poor people” after a “traffic violation”.

Some also criticised the decision to shift Darshan to another prison. One wrote, “Instead of solving the problem, firing the officer responsible and ensuring that this does not happen again, they want to shift Darshan to another prison. As if this does not happen in other prisons. Moving him from BLR prison means less media attention.”

Darshan in prison on murder charges

In June this year, a man named Renukaswamy was found murdered in Bengaluru. After two people confessed to the murder, police officials uncovered a connection with Kannada actor Darshan and his friend Pavithra Gowda.

It is alleged that Renukaswamy sent abusive messages to Pavithra because she was allegedly in a relationship with Darshan, who is married to Vijayalakshmi. According to PTI, police sources say Renukaswamy was beaten up and murdered in revenge.