In a shocking incident, seven officials at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison have been suspended after Kannada actor Darshan, currently in judicial custody for his alleged involvement in the Renukaswamy murder case, was seen having tea and relaxing with three others on the jail premises. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the suspensions, emphasizing the gravity of the breach of conduct.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed prison authorities to transfer Darshan to a different facility. Additionally, Siddaramaiah has ordered the state Director General of Police (DGP) to inspect the prison premises and provide a detailed report on the incident.
Commenting on the suspensions, Home Minister Parameshwara stated, “At nearly 4:30 pm, I received information that Darshan, along with three others, were relaxing while having tea. I spoke to the DG (prisons) and sent officials to the spot. An inquiry into the same was conducted by 1 am.” He further added, “This shouldn’t have happened. Seven officials were suspended, and some senior officers, including the prison superintendent, will be transferred.”
When questioned about the overall security at the prison, Parameshwara acknowledged the shortcomings but noted, “We aren’t defending what has happened. We have put jammers, but can’t put high-frequency jammers as residential areas get disturbed.”
The viral photograph that sparked the controversy shows Darshan seated in an open area within the prison, holding a cigarette and a cup of tea. The others in the picture have been identified as Wilson Garden Naga, a known rowdy sheeter, and inmates Nagaraj (Darshan’s manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena.
Darshan is currently in judicial custody in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, who was reportedly a fan of the actor. According to reports, Renukaswamy had sent obscene messages to Darshan’s associate Gowda, which allegedly provoked Darshan, leading to the fan’s murder. Renukaswamy’s body was discovered near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Bengaluru’s Sumanahalli area on June 9. A post-mortem examination indicated that the cause of death was shock and hemorrhage due to multiple blunt injuries.
