No visits from film stars, politicians, or fans: Strict measures imposed on actor Darshan in Ballari Jail

Team Udayavani, Aug 30, 2024, 8:52 AM IST

Belagavi: Following the preferential treatment received by actor Darshan in Parappana Agrahara Jail, stringent measures have been enforced in Ballari Jail to ensure his custody is strictly monitored.

T.P. Shesha, the DIG of Prisons and Correctional Services for the Northern Zone, has issued a memo to the jail superintendent outlining these measures.

The memo emphasizes that Darshan should be treated like any other inmate, with no special privileges. He is to be housed in a separate cell under 24/7 CCTV surveillance, with every moment recorded. Only his wife, blood relatives, and lawyer are permitted to meet him. Visits from film industry colleagues, politicians, or fans are strictly prohibited.

Additionally, a dedicated chief warden must be assigned to oversee the cell, with daily inspections conducted by the jailer to ensure security. The lock and key of his cell should only be handled in the presence of senior prison officials, and the staff assigned to his cell must wear body-worn cameras.

Meanwhile, Darshan’s associates involved in the same case have been transferred to various jails. Jagadish, the sixth accused, and Lakshman, the twelfth accused, have been moved to Shivamogga Jail, while Dhanaraj, the ninth accused, has been relocated to Dharwad Central Jail. The fourteenth accused, Pradush, has been shifted to Hindalga Jail in Belagavi.