A photo of jailed Kannada superstar Darshan, enjoying a cup of coffee and smoking a cigarette inside Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, went viral on social media on August 25. The image has sparked controversy, raising concerns about possible preferential treatment by prison authorities. Darshan is the second accused in the kidnapping and brutal murder of his fan, Renukaswamy. In the viral photo, Darshan is seen sitting on a chair, holding a coffee mug in one hand and a cigarette in the other, appearing relaxed and cheerful. He is accompanied by his manager and two other inmates, engaging in a lively conversation without any sign of fear or remorse. Darshan and his friend Pavithra Gowda are among 17 people who were arrested in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.
