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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Essar Group co-founder Shashi Ruia dies at 80
New Delhi (PTI): Essar Group co-founder Shashi Ruia has died after a prolonged illness. He was 80.
Ruia, who co-founded metals-to-technology conglomerate Essar with his brother Ravi, died in Mumbai around 23.55 hrs on November 25, family sources said.
He had returned from the US, where he was undergoing treatment, about a month back.
His mortal remains will be kept at Ruia House from 1 pm to 3 pm on Tuesday. The funeral procession will leave from Ruia House at 4 pm towards the Hindu Worli Crematorium.
Shashi, a first-generation entrepreneur industrialist, started his career in 1965 under the guidance of his father Nand Kishore Ruia.
He, along with his brother Ravi, laid the foundation of Essar in 1969 by constructing an outer breakwater at Chennai Port. The group expanded into various sectors, including steel, oil refining, exploration and production, telecom, power, and construction.
He is survived by his wife Manju and two sons Prashant and Anshuman.
