BALLARI: Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudpeepa, who was arrested in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case was shifted to Ballari Central Prison on Thursday.
On Thursday morning a team of 30 police along with four escorts arrived at Ballari jail. Darshan was shifted after two days since the court allowed for the actor to be shifted.
He is in security cell number 15, these cells were constructed to keep terrorists arrested in the assassination of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. However, they were not brought there and the cells were declared as high-security cells.
The Superintendent of Police (SP) Ballari Shobha Rane said jail officials were present during the admission of Darshan. More than 2,000 fans gathered at Kanaka Durgamma Circle near the prison in Ballari. To control the crowd the police had to deploy additional forces.
Soon after his arrival, Darshan was subject to a medical examination where the team of doctors found variations in his blood pressure. He refused to have breakfast in the prison. The prison authority also looked at the complete security of Darshan's cell including the 24x7 security personnel and the body camera and surveillance camera installed near the security cell.
Shivamogga Hindu activists Harsha and Praveen Nattaru are housed in security cells 11 and 12. As per the strict instructions of higher officials, prison staffers are only allowed to use walkie-talkies and not smartphones.
Senior Ballari Prison officials said only family members are allowed to visit prisoners and that politicians, friends, or fans visiting prison are strictly prohibited. Officials also said that the surrounding 500 meters of the prison is a prohibited area and that if any person breaks the rules action will be taken.