Kannada film star Darshan, who is currently imprisoned in connection with a kidnapping and murder case involving a fan, was transferred from Bengaluru Central Prison to Ballari Jail early Thursday morning, as confirmed by sources. This move follows recent revelations of Darshan receiving special treatment while incarcerated.
Darshan was transported in a Bolero vehicle, leaving Bengaluru Central Prison around 4:30 a.m. Sources indicated that prison authorities had covered the vehicle’s windows with curtains to shield Darshan from media and public scrutiny.
To ensure security and privacy, the authorities altered the usual route to Ballari. Instead of the standard Chitradurga-Ballari route, the vehicle was rerouted through Chikkaballapur-Bagepalli, on the way to Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur. The convoy was led by ACP Bharat Reddy, according to the sources.
Security around Ballari Jail has been intensified to prevent crowds of Darshan’s fans from gathering.
Earlier this week, the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court ordered Darshan’s transfer to Bellary Central Jail following a photograph circulating on social media showing him socializing with several individuals, including a known criminal, within the jail grounds.
Darshan’s partner and co-accused, Pavithra Gowda, will remain at Bengaluru Central Prison. Other co-accused individuals, including Pavan, Raghavendra, and Nandeesh, will be moved to Mysuru prison, while Jagadish and Laxmana will be sent to Shivamogga jail, Dhanraj to Dharwad jail, Vinay to Vijayapura jail, Nagaraj to Kalaburagi jail, and Pradoosh to Belagavi jail. Anukumar and Deepak will continue to be held at Bengaluru Central Prison.
Previously, four other accused—Ravi, Karthik, Nikhil, and Keshava Murthy—had been transferred to Tumakuru prison.
In response to the luxury treatment Darshan received, seven prison staff members, including two jailers, were suspended, and three FIRs were filed. Investigations by three special teams are underway.
The 24th ACMM court also extended the judicial custody of Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others until September 9. The prosecution argued that granting bail could jeopardize the safety of the deceased fan’s family and hinder the investigation, citing ongoing witness testimony collection and the risk of evidence tampering.
The case revolves around the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, who was abducted from Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, and tortured before being killed on June 8. His body was later discarded in a canal and discovered by security personnel after being dragged by dogs.
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