Darshan Thoogudeepa's Bengaluru Jail Officials Suspended After Allowing The Kannada Actor To Smoke And Drink Coffee Outside His Barrack
Darshan Thoogudeepa was spotted having coffee and having a smoke outside his jail barrack and some of his prison officials are suspended due to this!
The Karnataka prisons department has taken serious action by suspending seven staff members, including two jailers, in response to a recent controversy involving Kannada actor Darshan. The actor was photographed smoking a cigarette and drinking coffee inside the Bengaluru Central Prison, which led to a public outcry. The incident has raised significant concerns about the functioning and potential corruption within the state’s prison system. ALSO READ: Darshan Thoogudeepa Faints In Bengaluru Jail Over Health Issues Amid Renuka Swamy Murder Probe - Reports
The controversy began when a photo of Darshan sitting comfortably outside his barrack, with a cigarette in one hand and a coffee mug in the other, went viral on social media. The image also featured Darshan's manager and two other inmates sitting with him, further fueling the debate about the special treatment allegedly afforded to the actor. The viral photo quickly attracted attention, leading to questions about the integrity of the prison administration and the possible existence of preferential treatment for certain inmates. ALSO READ: Filmmakers Approach Film Chamber To Make Movies On Actor Darshan's Involvement In Renuka Swamy Murder Case; Get Rejected Due Ongoing Legal Proceedings- REPORTS
Home Minister G. Parameshwara addressed the issue publicly, announcing that the Director General of Prisons, Malini Krishnamurthy, had immediately initiated an inquiry into the matter. The investigation was conducted throughout the night, concluding at 1 a.m., and led to the suspension of the seven officers involved. The suspended staff members include Jailers Sharana Basava Ameenagada and Prabhu S. Khandelwal, Assistant Jailer L.S. Tippe Swamy, and head wardens Venkatappa Murthy, Srikanth Talwar, Basappa Teli, and Sampath Kumar Kadapatti. The Home Minister further indicated that the prison superintendent would be transferred following the submission of the final report. He also assured the public that any senior officers found to be involved would face strict disciplinary action.
In light of the incident, Minister Parameshwara emphasized that no leniency would be shown to those responsible. He revealed that a thorough investigation was underway to determine who had taken the controversial photo and how a mobile phone had been smuggled into the prison. Although a recent police raid at the central jail did not uncover any mobile devices, the authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the past three days to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
When questioned about the possibility of relocating Darshan to another facility, Minister Parameshwara mentioned that the option was being considered. He also clarified that there was no external pressure influencing the case, asserting that the government would not succumb to any attempts to interfere with the legal process. He reaffirmed that the department was committed to upholding the law and ensuring that such incidents do not occur again in the future.
The case involving Darshan has garnered widespread attention, particularly because the actor is the second accused in the kidnapping and murder of his fan, Renukaswamy. This recent incident has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings. The murder, which occurred on June 8 in Bengaluru, was particularly brutal. Renukaswamy was abducted from his hometown of Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, and tortured to death in a shed. His body was later discarded in a canal, where it was discovered after being dragged by dogs, horrifying local residents and shocking the community. The victim left behind his elderly parents, a pregnant wife, and a sister.
As the case nears the submission of the charge sheet, the recent developments have cast a shadow over Darshan's prospects of securing bail. The actor, along with his partner Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, is facing serious charges that have deeply affected the victim's family and the public. The government's response to the incident within the prison will be closely watched as the case continues to unfold.
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