Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is in judicial custody, in a murder case is being shifted to the Bellary jail after a picture went viral where the actor was seen hanging out with three others at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Karnataka. The picture sparked a massive row over the alleged special treatment being given to the actor. 

A court in Bengaluru gave the order to shift the accused after the picture went viral where the actor in the grey t-shirt was holding a cup in his hand and hanging out with inmates. The jail authorities were asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Darshan, currently lodged in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central jail, is holding a cup in his right hand and a cigarette in the other, shows the picture, and his gaze appears to be fixed on something in the distance.

To his right, is gangster Wilson Garden Naga, and other inmates Nagaraj (Darshan’s manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena. They appear to be looking at something and a hint of smile is visible on their faces.

The other accused in the case will be shifted to a different jail in Karnataka. Actor Darshan’s girlfriend, Pavitra Gowda, who is also accused in the murder case will remain in Bangalore jail.

Read more: Kannada Actor Arrested For Alleged Role In Murder Over Obscene Texts

In July, the Karnataka High Court underlined that all citizens and undertrial prisoners are entitled to a nutritious diet, without any distinctions based on their social or financial status, while hearing a petition filed by the Kannada actor.

Darshan had challenged a magistrate court order that rejected his request for home-cooked food, bedding, and cutlery in prison.

The picture raises doubts whether Darshan – who was arrested in June in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy who allegedly sent obscene texts to his co-star – and his companions were allegedly being provided special facilities inside the jail.

A total of 17 people, including Darshan along with his friend Pavithra Gowda, are in judicial custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy.

According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Gowda, which enraged Darshan, allegedly leading to the fan’s murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli on June 9.

Kashinath S Shivanagowdru, Renukaswamy’s father, has demanded a CBI probe and punishment for those behind it.

Bengaluru:

Sridhar, the manager of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s farmhouse in Bengaluru, died by suicide, police said. In a video message, the manager revealed that he was battling severe depression. 

In the video discovered on his phone, Sridhar requested authorities not to involve his family in any investigation into the case. 

The actor Darshan is embroiled in a high-profile murder case involving a fan named Renuka Swamy, a case that has garnered significant media attention. Darshan, along with actress Pavithra Gowda, rumoured to be his girlfriend, and more than 15 others, has been arrested in connection with Mr Swamy’s murder.

Mr Swamy was allegedly kidnapped from Karnataka’s Chitradurga and brought to Bengaluru, where he was reportedly tortured and ultimately killed. The investigation has uncovered gruesome details, including allegations that Darshan and his associates branded Mr Swamy with a hot metal rod and subjected him to electric shocks. These acts were allegedly carried out because Swamy had sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda.

The police have already recovered Rs 15 lakh, believed to be the proceeds of the crime. It has been reported that Darshan provided this money to his aides to admit their involvement in the murder for financial gain.