Actor Darshan, accused of murder, transferred to Ballari jail

Darshan Thoogudeepa, the main accused in the murder case of Renuka Swamy, has been transferred to Bellary Jail on Thursday morning amidst heightened security. The decision to relocate the actor followed the circulation of viral videos and images purportedly showing him receiving preferential treatment inside the prison.

Currently in judicial custody until September 9 along with 16 co-accused, Darshan was reportedly taken from Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in a police SUV around 4 AM. The transfer process included a police van rendezvous near Chikkaballapura, after which Darshan arrived at Ballari prison at approximately 9:30 AM.

Sources revealed that authorities opted for a route through Andhra Pradesh to prevent security breaches during the transfer. Darshan, identified in a black Puma T-shirt but without his usual hairpiece, was recently pictured in a controversial photo smoking a cigarette alongside known gangster Nagaraj, alias Wilson Garden Naga. Another undated video depicted Darshan engaged in a video call from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.

The controversy surrounding Darshan Thoogudeepa escalated following his arrest on June 11, alongside alleged accomplice Pavithra Gowda, in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Renuka Swamy. Reports allege Darshan’s involvement in the young man’s death, purportedly provoked by derogatory remarks made against actress Pavithra Gowda, leading to severe torture and subsequent demise of the victim, who was said to be a fan of the Sandalwood actor.