7 prison officials suspended after visuals shows actor Darshan's VIP treatment in jail
PTC News Desk: Seven Bengaluru prison officials have been suspended after an inquiry into a viral photograph and video showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa receiving alleged VIP treatment in prison.
"The police went there to investigate. Seven officers were suspended after a preliminary investigation revealed their involvement. We are now conducting further investigations into the matter. G Parameshwar, Karnataka's Home Minister, called it a serious security lapse.
The issue arose after a photograph of Darshan, who is now in judicial custody at the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, leaked online.
The visuals show the actor in a relaxed pose, sitting on a chair and holding a cigarette and a coffee cup while surrounded by three other people. According to some accounts, people seen with Darshan include criminal Wilson Garden Naga, Nagaraj, the actor's manager and co-accused, and Kulla Seena, an inmate. A video supposedly showing Darshan talking to someone via video call has also surfaced.
The incident has sparked widespread, with many people outraged by the alleged special treatment provided to Darshan.
Darshan, along with 16 others, including his friend Pavithra Gowda, is currently in judicial custody for the murder of Renukaswamy. The case has received a lot of attention because of Darshan's celebrity position and the brutality of the crime.
- With inputs from agencies
