7 Prison Officials Suspended for Providing VIP Treatment to Actor Darshan in Jail

The Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar announced that the police have suspended seven officers following a preliminary investigation into a security breach at the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru. The controversy arose after a photograph of the actor Darshan, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, surfaced online. The image depicted Darshan in a relaxed pose, holding a cigarette and a coffee cup while accompanied by three other individuals, including criminal Wilson Garden Naga, Nagaraj (the actor’s manager and co-accused), and Kulla Seena. Additionally, a video allegedly showing Darshan conversing with someone over a video call has been circulating.

This incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many expressing outrage over the perceived preferential treatment given to Darshan. Darshan, along with 16 others, including his friend Pavithra Gowda, is currently in judicial custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy. According to police sources, Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, which purportedly led to the murder. The victim’s body was discovered near a stormwater drain next to an apartment on June 9.

Renukaswamy’s father, Kashinath S Shivanagowdru, has called for a thorough investigation and the punishment of those responsible, expressing a desire for a CBI probe. He was surprised by the image of Darshan in custody and emphasized the importance of enforcing jail rules at the facility. The investigation has revealed that Raghavendra, a member of a Darshan fan club, lured Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar under the pretense of meeting the actor. It was there that the victim was allegedly tortured and killed.

The post-mortem report confirmed that Renukaswamy died due to shock and hemorrhage resulting from multiple blunt injuries.