Action against cop after actor Darshan seen entering Ballari jail with ’sunglasses’

Mangalore Today News Network

Ballari, August 30, 2024: Disciplinary action has been initiated against a police officer who was in charge of Darshan Thogudeepa’s security following allegations of the Kannada actor wearing ’sunglasses’ while he was brought to Ballari jail from Bengaluru.

Darshan, who is accused in the murder case of his fan and 33-year-old auto driver, Renukaswamy, was transferred from Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Prison to Ballari Central Jail on Thursday. He was transferred following a controversy over a viral picture of him hanging out with three others, including a rowdy sheeter, on the lawns of the Parappana Agrahara Prison earlier this week.

While entering the Ballari jail, Darshan was seen wearing a branded black T-shirt with ’sunglasses’ hanging over his shirt and blue jeans. Ballari police sources said Darshan’s ’sunglasses’ were power glasses, adding that undertrial prisoners and convicts who have eye issues are allowed to wear these glasses, and it was not an offence.

Sources said police had clarified it as Darshan’s power classes even though the prison notice said the actor could wear cooling glasses, which are almost similar to sunglasses.

Earlier, Darshan was accused of receiving VIP treatment in Parappana Agrahara Prison after the viral photograph showed the actor in a relaxed mood, sitting on a chair and holding a cigarette and a coffee mug.

Additionally, a purported video of Darshan speaking to someone over a video call from prison also surfaced on social media. The Bengaluru Police have formed three teams to probe the VIP treatment allegations.

On Tuesday, a Bengaluru court granted permission to shift Darshan and his co-accused to different prisons. Strict security measures have been put in place for the actor in Ballari jail.

Darshan was arrested on June 11 in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, an auto-rickshaw driver, from Chitradurga. He was kidnapped, assaulted and murdered on June 9 allegedly at the direction of Darshan after he allegedly sent offensive messages on social media to actor Pavithra Gowda, who is rumoured to be Darshan’s partner. The investigation also found that Darshan was directly involved in the assault.

On Wednesday, the judicial custody of Darshan, Gowda and others was extended until September 9.