The family of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is preparing to file a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) against Ballari prison officials, accusing them of denying the actor necessary facilities. Darshan is currently an undertrial prisoner at Ballari Central Prison, in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.
Jail officials, however, have refuted these claims, asserting that Darshan is being treated in accordance with prison regulations.
The situation arose after photos of Darshan receiving preferential treatment at Bengaluru Central Prison surfaced online. Following this, on August 29, he and his co-accused were transferred to various prisons across the state.
Prison officials confirmed that Darshan had been provided with a television and a surgical chair as per the rules. However, he has since requested additional items such as a pillow and bedsheet, which are currently under consideration.
On Thursday, Darshan’s mother and other family members visited him in the jail’s visitor room. After discussing his experiences with them, they consulted his lawyer. According to sources, the family believes Darshan is not being treated fairly as an undertrial prisoner and intends to file a complaint with the SHRC. “We will further discuss the situation with Darshan and then proceed with filing the complaint against prison authorities. As an undertrial, the court has yet to determine if he is guilty, and until then, he deserves proper treatment,” said a family source.
A senior Ballari Central Prison official stated, “Darshan is being treated as per prison guidelines for undertrials. We have already provided him with a surgical chair and TV, and his request for other items has been forwarded to senior authorities for review.”