This Is Normal In Jail: Sumalatha On Leaked Darshan's Smoking Pic In Jail

Former Mandya MP and BJP leader Sumalatha has come to the defense of actor Darshan after a photo surfaced online showing him smoking inside Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The leaked image sparked outrage, with many questioning the special treatment allegedly given to the actor.

Responding to media queries about the photo, Sumalatha, who shares a close relationship with Darshan, commented, "This is normal in the jail." She further questioned the media's selective outrage, saying, "If I speak, it will be controversial, but everyone knows this isn't the first time something like this has happened in the jail. Why didn't the media raise such questions earlier?"

Sumalatha referenced a past incident involving then Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons D Roopa, who exposed the alleged VIP treatment given to AIADMK leader VK Sasikala in the same jail. "IPS officer Roopa had highlighted these issues before. She exposed the abuses occurring in the jail system," Sumalatha stated, questioning why the media never pursued these matters further.

She continued by criticizing the broader issue of corruption within the prison system, asserting, "Anyone who is incarcerated can obtain certain privileges if they spend money, not just in Parappana Agrahara, but in many jails. This is not a secret. In American prisons, mobile phones, cigarettes, and drugs are also available. What happened now is not right, but it's corruption. This is a systemic issue, and the media should not target one person alone." Sumalatha also added that it is the responsibility of the ministry to address these issues and hold prison authorities accountable.

When asked about Darshan's association with certain rowdy elements in the jail, Sumalatha retorted, "Can there be good people in jail? Aren't they all there for a reason? Who else should they talk to? If so, according to you, should no one talk to anyone?"

Darshan has been imprisoned in connection with the murder case of Renuka Swamy, who was brutally assaulted and killed by the actor's aides for allegedly sending vulgar messages to his friend actress Pavithra Gowda. The recent photo of Darshan, seen sipping coffee and smoking, triggered a fresh controversy, with the public questioning the alleged VIP treatment being provided to him in jail.