Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is in judicial custody, in a murder case is being shifted to the Bellary jail after a picture went viral where the actor was seen hanging out with three others at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Karnataka. The picture sparked a massive row over the alleged special treatment being given to the actor. 

A court in Bengaluru gave the order to shift the accused after the picture went viral where the actor in the grey t-shirt was holding a cup in his hand and hanging out with inmates. The jail authorities were asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Darshan, currently lodged in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central jail, is holding a cup in his right hand and a cigarette in the other, shows the picture, and his gaze appears to be fixed on something in the distance.

To his right, is gangster Wilson Garden Naga, and other inmates Nagaraj (Darshan’s manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena. They appear to be looking at something and a hint of smile is visible on their faces.

The other accused in the case will be shifted to a different jail in Karnataka. Actor Darshan’s girlfriend, Pavitra Gowda, who is also accused in the murder case will remain in Bangalore jail.

Read more: Kannada Actor Arrested For Alleged Role In Murder Over Obscene Texts

In July, the Karnataka High Court underlined that all citizens and undertrial prisoners are entitled to a nutritious diet, without any distinctions based on their social or financial status, while hearing a petition filed by the Kannada actor.

Darshan had challenged a magistrate court order that rejected his request for home-cooked food, bedding, and cutlery in prison.

The picture raises doubts whether Darshan – who was arrested in June in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy who allegedly sent obscene texts to his co-star – and his companions were allegedly being provided special facilities inside the jail.

A total of 17 people, including Darshan along with his friend Pavithra Gowda, are in judicial custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy.

According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Gowda, which enraged Darshan, allegedly leading to the fan’s murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli on June 9.

Kashinath S Shivanagowdru, Renukaswamy’s father, has demanded a CBI probe and punishment for those behind it.

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has anger issues, a co-star has claimed amid allegations that he got a man killed for posting lewd comments about his co-star Pavithra Gowda.

Anusha Rai, another co-star of Darshan, said in a recent interview she couldn’t believe that the actor was involved in the murder case and that he was a very humble and caring person.

“He has anger issues, but he is also very humble and good. He doesn’t get angry about everything. People talk to him carefully. When I speak to him, I keep within my limits. Darshan has openly admitted in interviews that he has anger issues,” she told Hindustan Times.

She, however, said she wasn’t aware of Darshan’s relationship with Pavithra. Ms Rai also expressed concern about the actor’s wife and 15-year-old child, who are facing hate comments online.

“They need to be left in peace,” she said.

Renuka Swamy, a 33-year-old resident of Chitradurga in Karnataka, was allegedly tortured and killed by Darshan and his fans after they kidnapped him from his home on June 8. Next morning, his body was found in a drain in Bengaluru.

His autopsy found 15 wounds on his body and revealed that he died of shock and haemorrhage.

Darshan, a popular name in the Kannada film industry, was arrested two days later from his Mysuru farmhouse. Pavithra, his co-star, has been named the main accused in the case, and is also in custody. 

Actor Sanjjanaa Galrani, who has worked with him, had earlier told NDTV that he was a “demigod figure” in the Kannada industry and that his arrest marked a “black day” for the artistes.

On Darshan’s “temperamental nature” and past controversies, Ms Galrani had defended him saying he was a “soft-spoken gentleman” with a respectful and gentle nature.

“The person being spoken about in the news and the person that I know feel like two different personalities,” she had stated.

New Delhi:

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was recently taken into police custody in connection with the murder of Renuka Swamy, a 33-year-old fan. As the investigation continues, with 17 arrested so far in the case, the unresolved mystery of the disappearance of Darshan’s former manager, Mallikarjun B Sankanagoudar has come to the fore. 

According to a report by OneIndia, Mallikarjun, originally from Karnataka’s Gadag district, worked closely with Darshan, managing his film schedules and various affairs, but has been missing since 2016. His role extended beyond typical managerial duties as he ventured into film production and distribution. However, financial troubles loomed large over Mallikarjun’s professional life.

Investments in film production led to substantial losses, plunging him into debt, the report claims. Among his creditors was veteran actor Arjun Sarja, who reportedly lent him Rs 1 crore. The debt became a legal matter when Mr Sarja filed a lawsuit to recover the loan, citing an agreement related to the distribution of the movie ‘Prema Baraha,’ which he directed.

Reports suggest that Mallikarjun allegedly misappropriated around Rs 2 crore from Darshan. His sudden vanishing act has left many questions unanswered, particularly about the debts and the circumstances surrounding his financial dealings.

Despite ongoing efforts by the police, Mallikarjun remains untraceable. The Thoogudeepa family has remained silent on the issue, leading to speculation about whether there has been a deliberate attempt to ignore the situation.

Renuka Swamy, a devoted fan of Darshan, was allegedly murdered on the orders of the actor himself. Mr Swamy, who worked at a pharmacy, had reportedly been harassing Pavithra Gowda, Darshan’s rumoured girlfriend, by sending her objectionable messages and pictures. This provoked Darshan, leading to the brutal killing orchestrated by a gang.

The police have arrested 17 people in connection with the murder, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda. 

New Delhi:

Popular Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep has sought swift justice in the murder case in which another Sandalwood star, Darshan Thoogudeepa, and his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda are accused.

Darshan Thoogudeepa along with his co-star and girlfriend Pavithra Gowda and 11 others, is in police custody. Sources say Ms Gowda had prompted Darshan to “punish” Renuka Swamy for derogatory remarks allegedly made on social media.

“Justice is different from friendship and justice should be given to Renuka Swamy’s family. Whoever is guilty should be punished. It is important to get justice for those who have been wronged, regardless of the town,” Kiccha Sudeep told reporters.

“His wife and family deserve justice,” he said.

Investigation reveals that Darshan and his aides took Swamy to a shed in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya. There, Darshan allegedly thrashed Swamy with a belt, and his aides beat him with sticks until he lost consciousness.

The assault resulted in multiple fractures and severe injuries. Renuka Swamy’s body, later found by a food delivery rider, was being nibbled by dogs. The autopsy report confirmed the brutal nature of the murder, citing shock and haemorrhage as the cause of death.

Mr Thoogudeepa had allegedly planted three men to take the blame for the murder, but during interrogation, they were exposed, the police have said, adding he offered the three Rs 5 lakh each.

The case has sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests across Karnataka.