Karnataka Home Min demands report to visit prison

After pictures of Darshan, the murder accused actor, receiving VIP treatment sparked widespread outrage, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara visited Parappana Agrahara Jail on Monday, August 26. Parameshwara held a meeting with senior police officials and demanded a report on why nothing unusual was found in the Central Crime Branch (CCB) raid on August 24. This came soon after the minister confirmed that seven jail officials had given special treatment to Darshan and had been suspended.

“It is a serious security breach,” the minister said, adding, “Yesterday, I was informed from Parappana Agrahara jail that Darshan and other inmates were sitting together, drinking tea and smoking. I called the DIG and investigated. Now we have suspended seven officials.” The minister also said that an investigation would be launched to find out who took the later leaked photographs.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also stated that strict action will be taken against the police officials. The Chief Minister has ordered that Darshan and the others seen with him in the pictures be shifted to separate jails. In the leaked pictures, Darshan is seen drinking coffee and cigarettes with his manager and the violent Wilson Garden Naga is seen on the jail lawn. It is to be noted that police officials have been demanding that Wilson Garden Naga be shifted to a separate jail for some time now.

This is the same prison where former AIADMK leader Sasikala and stamp paper scam boss Abdul Karim Telgi were reportedly given special privileges a few years ago.