7 Bengaluru prison officials suspended over VIP treatment of actor Darshan
Bengaluru: Seven officials from Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru have been suspended following an investigation into allegations of VIP treatment given to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently in judicial custody. The suspension came after a photograph and video of the actor in jail went viral, showing him in a relaxed state, reportedly receiving special privileges.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar confirmed the suspension of the officials, stating, "The police conducted an investigation, and based on a preliminary inquiry, seven officers have been found involved and have been suspended. Further investigations are underway as this is a serious security lapse."
The controversy erupted after an image of Darshan, who is in custody in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, surfaced online. The photograph shows the actor sitting on a chair, holding a cigarette and a coffee cup, accompanied by three other individuals, reportedly including criminal Wilson Garden Naga, the actor's manager and co-accused Nagaraj, and inmate Kulla Seena. Additionally, a video allegedly showing Darshan engaging in a video call has also circulated widely.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many condemning the alleged preferential treatment afforded to Darshan. The actor, along with 16 others, including his friend Pavithra Gowda, is accused of being involved in the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, a fan who reportedly sent obscene messages to Gowda, provoking Darshan and leading to the murder.
Kashinath S Shivanagowdru, the father of the victim, has demanded a thorough investigation and called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. "I'm surprised to see the picture of him (Darshan) with others, holding a cigarette and drinking tea. We doubt whether he is in jail or not. Jail should be a jail, not something else. He should be treated like any other prisoner," Shivanagowdru remarked.
The investigation had earlier revealed that Raghavendra, a member of Darshan's fan club, lured Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar under the pretext of meeting the actor, where the victim was allegedly tortured and killed. The post-mortem report had confirmed that Renukaswamy died due to shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple blunt injuries.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
