Kannada Actor Darshan to be Shifted to Ballari District Jail Amidst VIP Treatment Controversy

Bengaluru, August 29, 2024 – In a significant development, Kannada actor Darshan, who is currently lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison in connection with a murder case, will be transferred to Ballari district jail. The decision comes after a photo of the actor allegedly receiving VIP treatment in the prison went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and criticism.

The photo, which showed Darshan chilling with rowdies on the jail premises, raised questions about the special treatment being meted out to the actor. The incident prompted prison authorities to take swift action, and on Tuesday afternoon, they moved a court seeking permission to shift out the 10 undertrial prisoners, including Darshan, for administrative and security reasons.

The additional chief metropolitan magistrate court granted permission on Tuesday evening, paving the way for the transfer of the accused. The transfer is expected to take place either by midnight or on Wednesday, after prison authorities receive a copy of the court order.

According to sources, necessary measures have been taken to allot a cell to Darshan in the Ballari district jail. However, this time around, the actor will not be extended any special privileges, unless they are obtained through court orders. “Following the incident in Bengaluru prison, we will be extra cautious and treat him like any other prisoner,” a senior officer said.

Darshan’s associates, Pavan, Raghavendra, and Nadeesh, will be shifted to Mysuru jail, while Jagadish and Lakshman will be transferred to Shivamogga. Dhanraj will be shifted to Dharwad, Vinay to Vijayapura, Nagaraj to Kalaburagi, and Pradosh to Belagavi.

The actor and 16 of his associates were arrested in June in connection with the murder of S Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, who had allegedly sent lewd messages to his friend and actor Pavithra Gowda. Four of the accused are already lodged in Tumakuru jail, while only three, including Pavithra, will remain in Bengaluru prison.