7 prison officials suspended for giving VIP treatment to actor Darshan in jail, says Karnataka minister – India TV

Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara on Monday admitted to custodial misconduct after pictures of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa – a murder accused – went viral on social media. In the photo, he is seen receiving VIP treatment. The photo purportedly shows the Kannada actor sitting casually on a chair with a cigarette and a coffee cup, enjoying an open space with three other people.

“Last night our officials went and asked. Seven officials were suspended. This is a failure. This must not be repeated. We also bear a certain responsibility,” said Parameshwara.

Darshan's request for home-cooked meals in prison

Earlier, Darshan Thoogudeepa had filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court demanding home cooking, bedding and cutlery for the duration of his remand. However, the court deferred further hearing of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who demanded home cooking, bedding and cutlery for the duration of his remand, to September 5.

The jail authorities informed the court that they had rejected Darshan's applications. The actor's counsel has asked for another week to consider the order before making further applications.

Court in Bengaluru extends pre-trial detention

A court on August 14 extended the remand of Darshan, along with his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda and others accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, until August 28. All 17 accused, including Darshan and Pavithra, were produced before the judge via video conferencing from Bengaluru and Tumakuru jails. The extension of the remand follows a remand application filed by Kamakshipalya police, who have sought more time to continue their investigation.

Authorities claim that there is strong evidence linking all the accused to the crime and that their involvement is being investigated in ongoing investigations. Important scientific evidence collected from the crime scene has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), but final reports are still pending.

The case has been expanded to include additional charges and investigations, requiring further judicial oversight.

There are also concerns about possible threats or coercion against the deceased's family, which could undermine the integrity of the case. The investigation will be assisted by additional FSL reports and further information from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), which analyses technical evidence, officials said.

What is the 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 his murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain adjacent to a flat in Sumanahalli here 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 here 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 as a result of multiple blunt injuries.

According to police sources, Pavithra, who is the main accused, was the “main cause” of Renukaswamy's murder. Investigations have proved that she instigated, conspired with other accused and participated in the crime.

(With contributions from agencies)

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