New Delhi: 

The Karnataka government has launched a formal probe into allegations that Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is receiving VIP treatment inside Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Jail.

The investigation, approved by the Home Department, comes nearly six months after the claims first surfaced after the actor was initially arrested in June 2024, and now falls under the ambit of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Darshan was arrested in connection with the sensational Renukaswamy murder case, which sent shockwaves through Karnataka.

Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had allegedly sent offensive messages to Darshan’s rumoured partner, which allegedly triggered a brutal response from the actor. 

The actor and several of his associates were arrested for allegedly orchestrating and carrying out the murder.

While the murder case itself remains under judicial scrutiny, the fresh controversy has put the spotlight back on how celebrities are treated in custody.

 As the investigation gathers pace, the government is under pressure to prove that no one is above the law. While the reliability of the picture remains in question, it was still enough to order a probe into the matter.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been appointed to look into three specific charges with those being unauthorized access to cigarettes, illegal use of mobile phones, and suspected collusion by prison officials.

The probe gained urgency after a viral image surfaced online, showing the actor and several other inmates lounging on the jail lawn, casually smoking cigarettes and sipping from cups.

Among those seen with him were gangster J Nagaraj (alias Wilson Garden Naga), co-accused Nagaraj (his manager), and Kulla Seema.

The government acted swiftly, and suspended seven jail officials while also authorizing a detailed investigation into lapses in prison protocol. 

The SIT has already begun questioning prison staff and collecting evidence to determine how such privileges were allowed within a high-security prison.

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