The Karnataka Police have begun an investigation into the luxury treatment received by Kannada superstar Darshan, who is currently detained in Bengaluru Central Jail on charges of kidnapping and murder. On Tuesday, the police launched the probe with three special teams focusing on different aspects of the case.
Firstly, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East) Saarah Fathima oversaw the formation of these investigative teams, which now operate under the Parappana Agrahara police station’s jurisdiction. The teams aim to address the alleged breaches swiftly.
Criminal Elements
One team will investigate how Darshan managed to contact criminal elements within the prison. This team will also examine how items such as chairs, coffee mugs, and ban substances like cigarettes smuggle into the jail. Consequently, they will determine the extent of the breach and the individuals involved.
Meanwhile, a second team will look into the source of unauthorized mobile phones and Internet access that enabled Darshan to make video calls and take photographs. They will focus on how these devices entered the prison and were used to document Darshan’s activities.
In addition, the third team will investigate the alleged negligence and dereliction of duty by the jail officials. They will determine whether the officials failed to prevent these breaches and, if so, the extent of their responsibility.
As part of this investigation, M. Somashekar, DIG Prisons, has filed three FIRs at the Parappana Agrahara police station. The first FIR, lodged under Section 42 of the Prisons Act, names Darshan as the primary accused along with his manager Nagaraj and rowdy sheeters Wilson Garden Naga and Kulla Seena. This FIR addresses a viral photograph showing Darshan seated on a lawn chair, holding a coffee mug and cigarette.
In addition, the second FIR, also under Section 42 of the Prisons Act, names Darshan as the main accused, with prison inmates Dharma and Satya listed as additional suspects.
Furthermore, the third FIR, which covers Sections 42 and 54 (1) (A) of the Prisons Act, and Sections 238 and 323 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, does not name Darshan as an accused but focuses on broader issues related to prison conduct.
Viral Video
Following the release of a viral video showing Darshan enjoying coffee and cigarettes in the company of his manager and two jail inmates, public outrage has intensified. The Karnataka prisons department has since suspended seven staff members, including two jailers, for allowing these illicit activities.
Ultimately, these developments come as the case against Darshan, who faces charges in the high-profile kidnapping and murder of Renukaswamy, nears the final stages before the submission of the charge sheet. The case, which began with Renukaswamy’s abduction, torture, and murder on June 8, 2023, and the subsequent discovery of his body in a canal, now faces added scrutiny due to the prison scandal.
Thus, these revelations not only complicate Darshan’s bail prospects but also highlight significant concerns about corruption and integrity within the Karnataka prison system.
