In a significant development, incarcerated Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa has been granted permission to have a television set installed in his prison cell at Bengaluru's central jail. This decision comes from the city's judicial authorities amidst the high-profile investigation into the murder of Renukaswamy.
Court Order Permits Entertainment in High-Security Cell
The 47th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court in Bengaluru issued the formal order allowing the installation. Darshan, a leading figure in the Kannada film industry, is currently housed in a high-security barrack at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. The actor, along with more than a dozen other accused individuals, is facing serious charges in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga.
Reports confirm that the television has already been set up in Darshan's cell following the court's directive. This move is based on provisions within the prison manual that allow for certain amenities, though such permissions are typically evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judge.
Background of the Renukaswamy Murder Case
The case that has led to the actor's incarceration dates back to June. Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, was allegedly abducted, brought to Bengaluru, and brutally murdered. Police investigations suggest the motive was linked to offensive comments Renukaswamy had made on social media about actress Pavithra Gowda, a close friend of Darshan.
The Bengaluru City Police have charged Darshan and 16 others with murder, conspiracy, and destruction of evidence. The investigation has revealed that the victim was allegedly tortured in a shed before being killed, with his body subsequently disposed of in a drainage canal. The police have built a substantial case, citing forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and testimonies.
Life Inside Parappana Agrahara Prison
Since his arrest and subsequent judicial custody, Darshan has been held at the sprawling Parappana Agrahara jail complex on the outskirts of Bengaluru. His life in prison follows a strict routine, reportedly involving waking up at 6 AM, participating in physical activities, and being limited to meeting his lawyers and immediate family during designated visitation hours.
The permission for a television is a notable exception to the standard regime. It is understood that the actor's legal team submitted a request for this facility, which was then considered and approved by the court. This allowance is separate from the basic amenities provided to all inmates and falls under discretionary privileges that can be sanctioned by judicial order.
The development has sparked mixed reactions from the public and media, with some viewing it as a standard legal provision and others questioning special treatment for a celebrity inmate. Prison authorities, however, are bound to implement valid court orders. The case continues to be under active investigation, with the police compiling a final charge sheet to be presented before the court.
