7 Jail Officials Suspended For Providing Actor Darshan VIP Treatment

Seven Bengaluru prison officials have been suspended after a viral photo and video revealed Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa allegedly receiving special treatment while in custody.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar commented on the issue, stating, "The police conducted an investigation. A preliminary inquiry identified seven officers involved, and they have been suspended. We are continuing to investigate this serious security breach."

The controversy started when a photo surfaced online showing Darshan, who is in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru for the Renukaswamy murder case.

The image shows Darshan sitting casually, holding a cigarette and a coffee cup, with three other individuals reportedly including criminal Wilson Garden Naga, Nagaraj (the actor's manager and co-accused), and fellow inmate Kulla Seena.

A video allegedly showing Darshan on a video call has also sparked outrage.

The incident has led to widespread criticism, with many condemning the apparent preferential treatment.

Kashinath S Shivanagowdru, the father of the murder victim Renukaswamy, has called for a full investigation and appropriate consequences for those involved.

He expressed concern, stating, "Given this situation, a CBI probe seems necessary. Seeing him (Darshan) sitting with others, smoking and drinking tea, raises doubts about whether he's really in jail. A jail should function as a jail, not as something else. He should be treated like any other prisoner, but it appears he's enjoying resort-like conditions."