File photo of actor Darshan
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa, the prime accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, made an emotional appeal to a Bengaluru court on Thursday, alleging that the prison authorities have failed to provide him with basic amenities.
Darshan, who reportedly broke down during the proceedings, claimed that his health is deteriorating due to the "poor" living conditions inside the Central Prison at Parappana Agrahara.
As per his statement to the 57th City Civil and Sessions Court judge, Darshan said he was still being held in a quarantine cell and not allowed to walk in an open space. He stated that he is only permitted to walk in a narrow, sunless area, which has caused him to develop a skin allergy, which he described as "fungus on his hands".
Darshan brought to the court's attention that his previous complaints were not addressed, despite a court order instructing the jail staff to provide him with a bed and a pillow. He alleged that the authorities have been non-compliant with the court's instructions, forcing him to bring the issue up for the "20th time."
Darshan's lawyer Sunil requested that he be allowed to walk in the jail premises. The court reportedly agreed, but Darshan maintains that the jail staff has not been following the instruction.
Darshan also filed a petition, requesting that his name be dropped from the murder case, asserting that he had no role in the crime. The judge has adjourned the case to October 9 and has instructed the prison chief superintendent to be present at the next hearing.