A new video circulating on social media has added fuel to the fire surrounding Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s time in judicial custody. The video shows Darshan, who is currently incarcerated in connection with the alleged murder of Renukaswamy, making a video call with another man. He appears to be in a comfortable, brightly lit room, with a large curtain covering the wall and clothes hanging on hooks. The video has sparked outrage among netizens and local BJP politicians, raising serious questions about the actor’s apparent access to special facilities within the prison.
Darshan Thoogudeepa, along with actor Pavithra Gowda, is one of 16 individuals in judicial custody in connection with Renukaswamy’s murder. Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga district in Karnataka, had reportedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, prompting Darshan to allegedly orchestrate and execute his murder. Renukaswamy’s body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru’s Sumanahalli on June 9.
This latest video follows a previous incident in August 2024 when a photograph of Darshan sitting on a lawn chair next to three men, including gangster Wilson Garden Naga and his manager, went viral. The photo fueled speculation about the actor receiving preferential treatment inside the prison.
In response to the viral video, a top police official confirmed to the Deccan Herald that jail authorities have initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. Shivanagouder, Renukaswamy’s father, has demanded a CBI probe and punishment for those responsible for the alleged special treatment. He expressed his frustration, stating, “Jail should be a jail and should not become something else. He should be treated like other normal prisoners, but here it looks like he seems to be sitting in a resort.”
The controversy surrounding Darshan Thoogudeepa’s prison conditions continues to escalate, raising critical questions about the justice system and the fairness of its application. The release of the video has intensified calls for a thorough investigation and accountability for any breaches in prison protocols.
