BENGALURU, Aug (PTI) — Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda announced on Friday that an investigation is underway into activities at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, following revelations of “special treatment” given to certain inmates. Several inmates and prison officials are being questioned in connection with the case. The investigation was prompted by a viral photograph showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is in judicial custody for his alleged involvement in the Renukaswamy murder case, mingling with three others on the prison grounds. The image, which surfaced on Sunday, depicts Thoogudeepa casually sitting on a chair with a cigarette and coffee mug, sparking public outrage.
Additionally, a video surfaced on social media showing Darshan making a video call from prison, further fueling the controversy. In response, three cases have been registered at Parappana Agrahara police station: two against inmates and one against prison officials. The Bengaluru South-East division police are handling the investigations, with the case against the officials being overseen by an assistant commissioner of police (ACP), and the inmate cases being led by inspector rank officials. Court approval has been secured to conduct investigations within the prison, which have been ongoing for the past two days.
Another photograph from the prison has emerged, and information regarding it is being incorporated into the ongoing investigation. The probe is led by South-East division Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sarah Fathima, with oversight from Additional Commissioner of Police Raman Gupta. Commissioner Dayananda emphasized that strict action will be taken if any additional illegalities are identified.
In the wake of the investigation, nine prison officials, including the chief superintendent, were suspended on Monday for their involvement in the “special treatment” scandal. FIRs have been filed against Darshan and others under the Prisons Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Following the uproar, the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court authorized the transfer of Darshan to a jail in Ballari, and he was relocated on Thursday amid tight security. The court also approved the transfer of other co-accused to various prisons within the state. Darshan’s judicial custody, along with that of his associate Pavithra Gowda and 15 others in the Renukaswamy murder case, has been extended until September 9.
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