Actor Darshan claims fungus on hands, not seen sunlight in 30 days in prison: 'Just poison me'

Darshan

A Bengaluru court recently rejected the prison authorities' plea to transfer Kannada actor Darshan from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison to Ballari Jail. Darshan is currently facing prison in the Renukaswamy murder case. The court noted that there were no valid grounds for the transfer; however, it allowed certain concessions for the actor within the prison.

Court rejects Darshan's transfer plea

Darshan, who is a key accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, appeared in court through a video conference link. He claimed that his health condition was deteriorating as living conditions inside the prison were unbearable. According to the court's orders, Darshan will now be permitted to walk within the prison premises.

Additionally, the court also approved his request for basic facilities such as an extra bed, pillow, and bedsheet, while highlighting that all provisions must strictly comply with the prison manual. It further noted that if any rules are violated, the Inspector General of Prisons has the authority to take disciplinary measures, including transferring the inmate.

During the hearing, Darshan reportedly made an emotional appeal, telling the judge that he had not seen the sun for 30 days and that his hands were affected by a fungal infection. He reportedly went as far as to say, "Just poison me, please pass this order". The judge reprimanded him for making such statements and warned him not to repeat them.

Although the court refused his transfer, it acknowledged his concerns to a limited extent by allowing movement within the jail and granting additional bedding, offering some relief. Darshan had challenged the jail authorities' plea before the judge, with his advocates arguing that travelling 300 kilometres would be tiring for both him and the prison authorities during the trial.

Darshan accused in fan murder case

The case pertains to the death of a man named Renukaswamy, a fan who allegedly sent obscene messages to actress Pavithra, a close associate of Darshan. Darshan, along with Pavithra Gowda and several others, is accused of abducting and torturing 33-year-old Renukaswamy.

The police alleged the victim was held in a shed in Bengaluru for three days in June 2024, tortured, and his body was recovered from a drain.

(With inputs from PTI)