The Karnataka prisons department has suspended seven staff members, including two jailers, after Kannada actor Darshan was seen smoking a cigarette and drinking coffee inside Bengaluru Central Prison. The announcement was made by Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday in Bengaluru.
The issue arose when a photo of Darshan, seated outside his barrack with a cigarette in one hand and a coffee mug in the other, went viral on social media on Sunday. The image also showed Darshan’s manager and two other inmates sitting with him.
Following the incident, Home Minister Parameshwara disclosed that Director General of Prisons Malini Krishnamurthy promptly contacted the relevant officers at the Bengaluru Central Prison and conducted an enquiry that continued until 1 A.M. Based on the initial findings, seven prison officers were suspended immediately.
The DG of Prisons visited Bengaluru Central Prison on Monday morning to further the investigation. When asked about possibly transferring Darshan to another facility, such as Hindalga Jail, HM Parameshwara mentioned that the department is considering the option.
