A police raid conducted on Saturday at the Bengaluru Central Prison uncovered a stash of contraband items, including 15 mobile phones, seven electric stoves, five knives, three mobile phone chargers, and ₹ 36,000 in cash. The raid also yielded two pen drives, cigarettes, beedi, and matchstick boxes. This operation comes in the wake of a viral photo showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa hanging out with notorious gangster Wilson Garden Naga on the prison grounds. The photo, which went viral on social media, sparked outrage and fueled concerns about preferential treatment being given to Darshan within the prison walls.
In the photo, Darshan is seen comfortably seated, enjoying a cigarette and a coffee mug, raising serious questions about the security and management of the prison. Darshan is currently under judicial custody in connection with the alleged murder of his fan, Renukaswamy. Following the viral image, Darshan and his fellow accused were swiftly moved to different jails, while 12 prison officers and staff were suspended. Darshan was transferred to a jail in Ballari amid tight security measures.
Interestingly, the police raid focused solely on the barracks occupied by gangster Naga. Block 3, where Darshan was previously held, was excluded from the search. The police raid, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, commenced around 4:30 pm, following an assessment of the prisoners.
Earlier on Friday, the Bengaluru court extended the judicial custody of Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and others until September 17. Darshan was arrested on June 11 in connection with the brutal murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy. The victim, a fervent fan of Darshan, allegedly sent inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda, leading to a deadly confrontation. The murder resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda.
