 "Darshan Thoogudeepa, also known as the “Challenging Star,” along with 11 other people, including his rumoured partner Pavithra Gowda, are in custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga. Image Courtesy: @sharmarekha/X")
The news channels in June this year were dominated by a startling murder case involving an actor, his ‘girlfriend’, and an ardent fan.
Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is making headlines again for allegedly getting VIP treatment inside the prison in an undated picture and video going viral on social media.
Here’s all we know about it.
The viral picture
The viral photo shows Darshan , gangster J Nagaraj, alias Wilson Garden Naga, and other inmates Nagaraj (Darshan’s manager and co-accused), and Kulla Seema, sitting on a lawn of the prison smoking a cigarette while holding a cup in his hand. Their faces appear to be smiling slightly, and they appear to be looking at something.
Firstpost couldn’t independently verify the picture.
Wilson Garden Naga was charged under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act, 2000, by the Bengaluru police last year after South Bengaluru gangster Mahesh N, also known as Siddapura Mahesh, was murdered, as per Indian Express.
The Kannada actor was seen making a video call in another video.
Darshan Thoogudeepa, also known as the “Challenging Star,” along with 11 other people, including his rumoured partner Pavithra Gowda, are in custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThey have been lodged in the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison since June 22, the day his police custody ended.
A prison official told The Indian Express that they were aware of the video and images and that the Director General of Police (Prisons) had initiated an inquiry to look into the claims.
This isn’t the first time that reports about “VIP treatment” to inmates at the Bengaluru Central Prison have come to light.
When it was suspected that K Sasikala, the then-leader of the AIADMK, also enjoyed preferential treatment inside the prison during her term in relation to a disproportionate assets case, several officers were suspended.
Cigarette ban in prison
For those unversed, the Karnataka government banned the sale and use of cigarettes and other tobacco products on prison premises 1.5 years ago, The Times of India reported.
Nonetheless, TOI sources claim that prison administrators still give them to some inmates who are addicted to tobacco since they run the risk of developing depression from the symptoms of withdrawal.
Cigarettes were formerly sold at the jail canteen.
The prisoners would purchase them, carry them to their barrack or cell, where they would be housed, and smoke.
According to a senior prison officer who spoke with TOI, smoking was prohibited in public areas even in cases when the sale was lawful.
‘He has no guilt’
In response to the viral video, Renukaswamy’s father, Shiva Gowda, asked the state government to take action against the actor.
“When Darshan asked for home-cooked food, it wasn’t permitted. We have belief in the police and the justice system. I am utterly surprised how did this happen. This is shocking news for me. I request the government to investigate and take action,” Gowda said, according to India Today.
“He (Darshan) has no guilt that he has made a mistake,” he added while demanding a CBI investigation into the murder case.
During a July hearing on a case filed by Darshan, the Karnataka High Court emphasised that all citizens and undertrial convicts have the right to a healthy meal, without any disparities based on social or financial background, according to NDTV.
The Kannada actor had appealed a magistrate court ruling that denied his request for a mattress, silverware, and meals prepared at home while inside.
Prison officials suspended
After the image took over the internet, the Karnataka government suspended seven prison officials and sought an inquiry report, as per India Today.
Addressing the media on Monday, G Parameshwara said that he received information last evening that “Darshan, along with four others, were relaxing and drinking tea inside the jail premises. I spoke to the DG Prisons and sent officials to the spot. Till about 1 am, inquiry was being done.”
“Seven prison officials have been suspended and I have sought an inquiry in this. DG Prisons has gone for an inspection. This incident shouldn’t have happened. These seven officials were involved. Senior officers like the prison superintendent will be transferred,” he added.
The Minister further said that the incident took place despite the installation of CCTVs and jammers. He further confirmed that there is no pressure from anyone for VIP treatment.
The Renukaswamy murder case
On June 9, Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old auto driver, was found next to a flyover in Bengaluru.
The police claim that Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, was abducted and killed by a group under the actor’s command after he allegedly posted derogatory messages to actor Pavithra Gowda on social media, who is thought to be Darshan’s partner.
On August 21, a Bengaluru court extended Darshan, Pavithra, and others’ judicial custody until August 28.
With inputs from agencies