A day after the photo of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is lodged in Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in connection with a murder case, smoking a cigarette on an open lawn went viral, a video showing Darshan on a phone call has emerged.
The clip begins with a man in a yellow t-shirt warmly smiling at another man on a video call. As the call progresses, the second man, still holding the phone, steps away, redirecting the camera from his face. He hands the device to someone nearby, and moments later, Darshan's face pops up on the screen.
With a cheerful wave, Darshan greets the man. The man gestures towards his mouth, enquiring if the actor has eaten. Darshan, smiling, nods in response. After a brief exchange of words, the two share a final wave and bid each other goodbye.
Darshan and Pavithra Gowda are among 17 people who were arrested in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.
Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old auto driver who was also a fan of the Kannada actor, was found near a flyover in Bengaluru on June 9. According to the police, Renukaswamy was kidnapped and murdered by a gang at the actor's instructions after he allegedly sent offensive messages on social media to actor Pavithra Gowda, who is rumored to be Darshan's partner.
On August 21, a Bengaluru court extended until August 28 the judicial custody of Darshan, Pavithra, and others.
Earlier, while reacting to the viral image, Shiva Gowda, father of Renukaswamy, urged the state government to take action against the actor.
"When Darshan asked for home-cooked food, it wasn't permitted. We have belief in the police and the justice system. I am utterly surprised how did this happen. This is shocking news for me. I request the government to investigate and take action," Gowda said.
