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Does Kannada actor Darshan get VIP treatment in Bengaluru jail? – Firstpost

In June of this year, a sensational murder case dominated the news channels, involving an actor, his “girlfriend” and an ardent admirer.

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is making headlines again for allegedly receiving VIP treatment in prison; an undated picture and video went viral on social media.

Here's everything we know about it.

The viral image

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 are sitting on the lawn of the jail, smoking a cigarette and holding a cup in their hands. Their faces appear to be smiling slightly and they appear to be looking at something.

First post could not independently verify the image.

Wilson Garden Naga was booked by Bengaluru police last year under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act, 2000 after the murder of south Bengaluru gangster Mahesh N, also known as Siddapura Mahesh. Indian Express.

In another video, the Kannada actor was seen on a video call.

Darshan Thoogudeepa, also known as ‘Challenging Star’, and 11 others, including allegedly his partner Pavithra Gowda, are in custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga.

They have been lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail since June 22, the day his police custody ended.

A prison official said The Indian Express that they were aware of the video and images and that the Director General of the Prison Police had launched an investigation into the allegations.

This is not the first time that reports of ‘VIP treatment’ of inmates in Bengaluru Central Jail have come to light.

When suspicions arose that K. Sasikala, the then chairperson of the AIADMK, was also receiving preferential treatment in prison during her sentence in connection with a disproportionate assets case, several officials were suspended.

Cigarette ban in prison

For those who don't know, the Karnataka government banned the sale and consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products on prison premises a year and a half ago. The Times of India reported.

Nonetheless, TOI Sources claim that prison authorities still administer them to some tobacco-addicted inmates because they are at risk of developing depression due to withdrawal symptoms.

Cigarettes used to be sold in the prison canteen.

The prisoners bought them, carried them to their barracks or cells where they were housed, and smoked them.

According to a senior prison officer who spoke to TOI, smoking was banned in public areas even when its sale was legal.

“He is not to blame”

Reacting to the viral video, Renukaswamy's father, Shiva Gowda, urged the state government to take action against the actor.

“When Darshan asked for home-cooked food, he was not allowed to do so. We have faith in the police and the judicial system. I am completely surprised how this could happen. This is shocking news for me. I request the government to investigate and take action,” Gowda said, according to India today.

“He (Darshan) does not feel guilty of having made a mistake,” he added, demanding a CBI investigation into the murder case.

During a hearing in July on a case filed by Darshan, the Karnataka High Court stressed that all citizens and remand prisoners have the right to a healthy meal without any inequality based on social or financial background, NDTV.

The Kannada actor had appealed against a district court's ruling that had denied his request for a mattress, cutlery and meals prepared at home during his detention.

Prison officials suspended

After the picture made the rounds on the Internet, the Karnataka government suspended seven prison officials and demanded an investigation report. India today.

Addressing the media on Monday, G Parameshwara said he received information last night that “Darshan and four others were relaxing and drinking tea in the prison premises. I spoke to the Director General of the prison and sent officials to the spot. Investigations were on till about 1 am.”

“Seven prison officials have been suspended and I have requested an investigation into this. The General Directorate of Prisons has conducted an inspection. This incident should not have happened. These seven officials were involved. Senior officials like the prison director will be transferred,” he added.

The minister further said that the incident took place despite the installation of surveillance cameras and jammers. He further confirmed that no one had put any pressure on 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.

Police claim that Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, was kidnapped and killed by a group under the actor's command after he allegedly posted derogatory messages on social media about actor Pavithra Gowda, who is believed to be Darshan's partner.

On August 21, a court in Bengaluru extended the remand of Darshan, Pavithra and the others until August 28.

With contributions from agencies

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