Sandalwood Star Darshan caught smoking with gangster in jail

Jailed Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s alleged access to special privileges inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru has sparked outrage after a video and photo of him smoking a cigarette with gangster J Nagaraj alias Wilson Garden Naga and making a video call went viral.

The viral photo shows Darshan, Wilson Garden Naga, and others sitting on a prison lawn, smoking cigarettes and holding cups. In another video, Darshan can be seen making a video call.

Darshan and 11 others were arrested in June in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga.

While the authenticity of the video could not be independently verified, a prison officer confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered by the Director General of Police (prisons) to investigate the allegations.

Following the incident, seven jail officials have been suspended for allowing Darshan access to mobile phones and special privileges. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the suspensions, stating that an internal probe has been initiated.

“There is a lapse in official duty as the prisoners are monitored 24/7. So, it shows there has been a violation of the prison manual,” said the minister.

The suspended officials are Sharanabasava Amingadh, Prabhu Kandelwal, L S Tippeswami, Shrikant Talwar, Venkappa Kodti, Sampat Kumar, and Basappa.

The viral photo and video sparked immediate outrage from Renukaswamy’s father, Kashinath Shivannagoudar, who expressed his anguish about the ongoing investigation. “Though we trust the state police, it is sad that the murder accused are enjoying. We feel a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation is needed,” he added.

The incident highlights a concerning pattern of “VIP treatment” for inmates at the Bengaluru Central Prison. Last year, former AIADMK leader Sasikala also allegedly received special treatment while serving her sentence in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

Darshan and his associates have been lodged in the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison since June 22 after his police custody ended. Police officers said the investigation into the Renukaswamy murder case was in the final stages and the chargesheet would soon be submitted to the court.

The incident has raised serious questions about security and fairness within the prison system. Authorities are now facing pressure to ensure strict adherence to prison rules and prevent such incidents from recurring.