Darshan says prison conditions unbearable, asks for poison

Bengaluru

High drama prevailed at the City Civil and Sessions Court Hall 64, when actor Darshan, key accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, appeared through a video conference link and claimed that his health condition was deteriorating as living conditions inside the prison was unbearable.

Visibly shaken and with tears in his eyes, Darshan said that he has been locked up in the cell and not allowed to walk even inside the prison. “I have not seen sunlight for many days, my hands have developed fungal infection and my clothes smell. I can’t live like this anymore. Whatever I ask prison officials say the judge has to direct the same, I request you to direct them to give me some poison. Life here has become unbearable,” Darshan made a dramatic appeal during the hearing.

Responding to his remarks, the Judge directed prison officials to allow him to walk inside the prison and provide him pillows and bed-sheet as per the prison manual.

However, the court did not issue any directions on shifting Darshan to the Ballari Central Prison. If there are any violations of conditions or any misbehaviour, the Departments of Prisons and Correctional Services can take a call, the court said adjourning the case to  September 19.

Darshan was arrested in June 2024 in connection with the abduction and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, from Chitradurga.

When lodged in Parappana Agarahara Central Prison as an undertrial in August, 2024, he was allegedly given preferential treatment which turned controversial and was later shifted to Ballari prison. He was later granted bail by the High Court, which was cancelled by the Supreme Court earlier this year, also taking note of alleged irregularities during his stay in the prison.