Murder Accused Kannada Actor Darshan Gets VIP Treatment in Jail
A photo & video of murder-accused Kannada actor Darshan enjoying special treatment in jail has gone viral everywhere; sparking VIP jail treatment for the rich & famous.
Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, known for his roles in popular films like Saarathi, Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, and Roberrt, has found himself in the middle of a controversy while in jail. Darshan, his manager Nagaraj, and his friend, actor Pavithra Gowda, were arrested on June 12, 2024, in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Karnataka’s Chitradurga district.
Renukaswamy was reportedly kidnapped and killed by men associated with Darshan after he allegedly sent vulgar messages to Gowda. According to some reports, Darshan himself was involved in the brutal beating that led to Renukaswamy’s death. His body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru's Sumanahalli on June 9, 2024, with signs of severe abuse, including electric shocks, beatings, and other injuries.
Recently, an undated photo of Darshan in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara jail went viral on social media. The photo shows Darshan holding a coffee mug, smoking a cigarette, and sitting in the jail’s garden, chatting and laughing with his manager Nagaraj and two gangsters, Wilson Garden Naga and Kulla. The photo raised questions about how Darshan was able to get a cigarette in jail, as smoking is not allowed for inmates. A senior officer confirmed that the photo was taken inside the jail, leading to suspicions of support from prison staff.
The controversy deepened when a video of Darshan making a video call from inside the jail also went viral on August 26, 2024. In the video, Darshan is seen cheerfully waving to a man on the other end of the call. The video sparked outrage as it showed Darshan in what appeared to be a well-lit room, suggesting that he might be receiving special treatment in jail.
Netizens and local BJP politicians have expressed their concerns about the actor and his associates receiving VIP treatment in prison. Following the outcry, jail authorities have started an internal investigation into the matter. Renukaswamy’s father, Shivanagouder, has demanded a CBI investigation and stricter punishment for Darshan and the other accused. He criticized the jail for not treating Darshan like a normal prisoner, saying, “Jail should be a jail and should not become something else.”
In response to the controversy, the Bengaluru city court has ordered Darshan to be transferred from Parappana Agrahara jail to Ballari jail. The situation is still under investigation, and more details are expected to emerge as the inquiry continues.
