Actor Darshan to Be Transferred to New Jail Following VIP Treatment Controversy

In response to allegations of special treatment, nine officials at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Jail have been suspended after kannada actor Darshan, who is accused in a murder case, was spotted socializing and having tea with three others on the prison grounds. karnataka Home minister G. Parameshwara confirmed these suspensions.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah has directed the transfer of Darshan to another jail and has asked the state director General of police (DGP) to visit the facility and provide a detailed report on the situation. Darshan is currently in judicial custody related to the Renukaswamy murder case.

Home minister Parameshwara stated that he had contacted the Directorate General (prisons) and an investigation was promptly initiated. He also mentioned that senior prison officials, including the superintendent, will be reassigned.

Parameshwara explained that he received information around 4:30 pm that Darshan was seen relaxing with tea, and after speaking with the DG (prisons), an inquiry was conducted by 1 am. Initially, seven officials were suspended, but after discovering the involvement of two more officials, they were also suspended. Three First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed in connection with the incident.

Regarding jail security, Parameshwara acknowledged the situation but clarified that while jammers have been installed, high-frequency jammers cannot be used due to potential disturbances in residential areas.

A viral photo showed Darshan sitting on a chair with a cigarette and a cup of tea in an open area of the jail. media reports identified the others in the picture as rowdy sheeter Wilson Garden Naga, Nagaraj (Darshan's manager and co-accused), and Kulla Seena.

The victim, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, had reportedly sent offensive messages to the actor, leading to an alleged confrontation that resulted in the fan’s murder. Renukaswamy's body was discovered near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on june 9, with the post-mortem report indicating death due to shock and hemorrhage from multiple blunt injuries.