Renukaswamy murder case: Sandalwood actor Darshan requests surgical commode in Ballari jail, cites back pain

BALLARI/BENGALURU: Days after being shifted to Ballari Central Jail from Bengaluru, sandalwood actor Darshan, accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, has requested the prison authorities for a ‘surgical commode chair' citing his back pain.

TP Shesha, deputy inspector general of prisons (North Zone) Saturday told media persons that they will look into the request.

Shesha inspected the facilities and surveillance at the jail following instructions from the department. "Based on higher officials' input, I have given some directions to the officials on providing facilities at the jail," he said.

To a question on Darshan's condition at the jail, Shesha said, "He is hesitating to eat properly because of the difficulty in using the Indian toilet attached to the cell due to his back pain. The actor has requested a western style or surgical chair commode to alleviate the issue."

He also said efforts are underway to set up a state-of-the-art jammer at the jail. However, he confirmed that if Darshan requests a television, the same will be provided as a few other prisoners have access to the facility.

Darshan's wife Vijayalakhsmi visited the actor in the jail along with his brother-in-law, according to Shesha. She reportedly carried additional clothes and dry fruits for Darshan in a bag.

Darshan's manager shifted to Kalaburagi

Darshan's manager Nagaraj, who is also named in the murder case as accused no 11, was shifted to Kalaburagi Central Prison from Bengaluru on Saturday. Nagaraj was seen sitting with Darshan and rowdy sheeters Wilson Garden Naga and Kulla Seena, sipping coffee at Bengaluru Central Prison in a photograph that went viral a few days ago.

Court rejects Pavithra's bail plea

A magistrate court in Bengaluru rejected the bail pleas of Pavithra Gowda and Anu Kumar, accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. While Pavithra is accused no. 1, Kumar is accused no. 10. Pavithra had contended in her bail petition that she was a woman and mother of a minor girl and also submitted that her attack on the victim with slippers did not result in his murder.

However, special public prosecutor P Prasanna Kumar had contended that being a woman was no ground to apply for bail and that the victim was tortured to death unimaginably.

"Two eyewitnesses have identified her at the scene of the crime. Renukaswamy's blood was found on her clothes. Finally, she had travelled in the car used in the offence," Kumar had said.

Kumar's bail was also opposed, stating the petitioner was among those who abducted Renukaswamy from Chitradurga and locked him in the Pattanagere shed. He was present at the crime scene and Renukaswamy's blood was found on his clothes.