‘Actor Darshan spent about  ₹4 Cr for VIP treatment in Parappana Agrahara’

Bengaluru 

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, had allegedly spent about ₹4 crore to receive VIP treatment during his stay in Parappana Agrahara prison. He was lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison for 68 days between June 22, 2024, and August 29, 2024. The actor was arrested on June 11.

After a photograph of him sipping coffee and smoking a cigarette with rowdy-sheeter Wilson Garden Naga went viral, he was transferred to Ballari prison. The picture was captured on August 22, 2024. He walked out of Ballari prison on October 29, 2024. On Thursday (August 14, 2025), a day before Independence Day, the Supreme Court cancelled the bail of Darshan and other accused, including Pavitra Gowda.

Following allegations of VIP treatment, the government suspended nine prison officials and launched an investigation. Sources say that then Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Malini Krishnamurthy, also received three show-cause notices from Chief Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh in connection with the matter. Malini is now retired from service.

A highly placed source in the Prisons and Correctional Services Department told blrpost.com that during Darshan’s stay in Parappana Agrahara, he allegedly spent about ₹4 crore. This was reportedly admitted by him during a probe conducted by a team comprising IPS officers V. Ananda Reddy and Somashekar. His statement was also recorded. The investigation report is currently with Rajaneesh.

Sources further said he gave a detailed statement about how much money he paid to several prison officials, from lower ranks to higher ranks, claiming nearly ₹4 crore was spent at their demand for VIP treatment. The money was allegedly handed over on multiple occasions.

The suspended officers are: Chief Superintendent (Prisons) V. Seshumurthy, Jail Superintendent Mallikarjun Swamy, Jailer Sharan Basappa Amingad, Jailer Prabhu S. Khandelwal, Assistant Jailer L. S. Kuppeswamy, Assistant Jailer Srikanth Talwar, Head Warder Venkappa, Head Warder Sampath Kumar, and Warder K. Basappa.

Sources close to Darshan said these officials enthusiastically asked the actor and his wife, Vijayalakshmi, for money in exchange for “cozy” treatment, including good food (meat daily), better bedding, mobile phones, and other perks.

An RTI was filed on March 3, 2025, in the Chief Secretary’s office seeking details about the show-cause notices issued to Malini Krishnamurthy. The applicant asked how many notices were issued and what her response was.

In reply, the information officer, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms department stated that the details could not be disclosed, as the communication was between an IPS officer and the government. While refusing to provide details, the information officer cited the Girish Ramachandra Deshpande vs. Central Information Commission verdict of the Supreme Court.

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