Karnataka suspends 7 prison officials for ‘special treatment’ of Kannada actor Darshan, accused of Renukaswamy murder

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said seven prison officials have been suspended after a photo and video of murder accused actor Darshan Thoogudeepa went viral on social media.

Kannada actor Darshan, who is serving a remand in the Renukaswamy murder case, has allegedly been subjected to special treatment in Bengaluru jail.

“Last night, our officials went to the prison and enquired. Based on the investigation, seven officials were suspended. This is a serious security breach that must not be repeated,” Parameshwara said.

The minister's comments came after a purported photograph showed the actor smoking a cigarette with three other people in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail – criminal Wilson Garden Naga, Nagaraj, the actor's manager and co-accused, and Kulla Seena, another inmate.

Darshan, who is currently in judicial custody in the Renukaswamy murder case, is seen in a relaxed mood, sitting on a chair, holding a cigarette and a coffee cup, in an open room. Darshan is currently locked up. Pictures have also surfaced showing Darshan talking to someone through video call.

Renukaswamy, a fan of actor Darshan, had sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, which enraged Darshan and allegedly led to the murder of the 33-year-old. Darshan, his friend Pavithra Gowda and 15 other acquaintances were arrested for the murder.

Renukaswamy's body was found near a stormwater drain on June 9. According to the post-mortem report, Renukaswamy, a native of Chitradurga, died of shock and haemorrhage due to multiple blunt injuries. Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured and murdered in a shed in RR Nagar.

Police said Gowda, who is the main accused, was the “root cause” of Renukaswamy's murder. They claimed that investigations proved that she instigated and conspired with the other accused and participated in the crime herself.