The controversy surrounding Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s alleged VIP treatment in jail continues to unfold. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda has confirmed that action has been taken against officials who allowed special privileges for the actor while he was incarcerated at the Parappana Agrahara Central jail.
“We have already called for an enquiry and three cases are already booked related to Parappana Agrahara Central jail. We are also waiting for CFSL report, govt have also ordered for enquiry,” stated Dayananda. The actor, who is currently lodged in Ballari prison after a court order, has been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism following a picture and video that went viral, appearing to show him enjoying unchecked privileges within the jail.
The photo, which sparked widespread outrage, showed Darshan in a relaxed posture, holding a cigarette and a coffee mug, while seated on a chair in the jail’s courtyard. This image, along with a purported video of Darshan speaking on a video call from inside the prison, fueled public anger and accusations of preferential treatment.
In response to the allegations, nine prison officials, including the Chief Superintendent of the Parappana Agrahara jail, were suspended following a preliminary investigation into the allegations of “special treatment.” Three FIRs have been registered, including against Darshan himself, under sections of the Prisons Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Darshan’s judicial custody has been extended until September 12. A Bengaluru court on September 9 extended the custody of the actor, along with his friend Pavithra Gowda and 15 other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. The court hearing was conducted via video conferencing with the 17 accused connected from various prisons across the state. The police recently submitted a 3,991-page preliminary chargesheet in the case.
The ongoing investigation into the alleged VIP treatment and the court’s decision to extend Darshan’s custody highlight the gravity of the situation and the public’s demand for transparency and accountability in the justice system.
