Darshan shifted to Ballari jail, associates sent to different prisons

BALLARI: Sandalwood actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, the second accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, was on Thursday shifted to the Ballari jail amid high security. Darshan was taken in a Tempo Traveller with screens from the central jail at Parappana Agrahara through Devanahalli, Chikkaballapur, Bagepalli, Penukonda, Anantpur and Joladarashi to reach Ballari.

The move came after his photograph some history-sheeters in the lawns of Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Bengaluru went viral. In the photograph, Darshan was seen holding a coffee mug in his right hand and a cigarette in the other.

Darshan’s belonging were checked at the entry gate.

Darshan surrendered his belongings at the entry gate and seemed shocked after seeing the cell at the Ballari jail. He is lodged in the 15th cell in the high-security block.

Meanwhile, after a Public TV report, North zone DIG T P Shesha took objection to Darshan being allowed to wear sunglasses while entering the Ballari jail and plans to write to DG&IGP Alok Mohan citing dereliction of duty by the escort police team. He also questioned the police how Darshan was allowed to sport sunglasses and wear and bracelet on his hand.

While actress Pavitra Gowda, the main accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, Anukumar and Deepak will continue to remain in the Parappana Agrahara central prison, Ravishankar, Karthik, Keshavamurthy and Nikhil Naik are lodged at the Tumakuru jail.

On Tuesday the 24th ACJM court in Bengaluru allowed shifting of Darshan to Ballari jail, Raghavendra Pavan and Nandish to Mysuru jail, Jagadish and Lakshman to Shivamogga jail, Janardhan to Dharwad, Vinay to Vijayapura, Nagaraj to Kalaburagi and Pradosh to Belagavi jails.

The state government earlier suspended seven prison officials after the picture of Darshan from the jail circulated online. The officials were suspended following the directions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.