Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah orders transfer of Kannada actor Darshan following jail photo scandal

Following the viral spread of a photograph showing Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa interacting with three jail inmates, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered significant actions. Darshan, who is in judicial custody related to the Renukaswamy murder case, was seen in a relaxed manner in the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, posing with gangster Wilson Garden Naga, and inmates Nagaraj (Darshan’s manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena.

The photo, depicting Darshan casually seated with a cigarette and a coffee cup, sparked controversy and led to a probe.

In response, CM Siddaramaiah has directed the immediate suspension of the prison officials involved in this matter and called for the transfer of Darshan and others to different jails. On X, Siddaramaiah stated, "The government has taken the case of providing royal hospitality to actor Darshan and others in Parappana Agrahara Jail seriously. I have suggested that the guilty officials should be suspended immediately. I have instructed the State Director General of Police to transfer Darshan and others to different jails and to visit the jail to provide a full report on the case."

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As a result of the preliminary investigation, seven Bengaluru prison officials, including two jailors, have been suspended. These officials include Jailers Sharana Basava Ameenagada and Prabhu S. Khandelwal, Assistant Jailer L.S. Tippe Swamy, Srikanth Talwar, Head Warden Venkatappa Murthy, Warden Basappa Teli, and Head Warden Venkatappa Kattoli, along with Sampath Kumar Kadapatti.

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DG Prisons Malini Krishnamurthy is visiting the Bengaluru Central Prison to assess the situation as the investigation continues.