The Karnataka government has suspended seven prison officials after a purported photo of jailed Kannada film actor Darshan 'smoking a cigarette' went viral on social media. The officials were suspended following the directions of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who instructed the state Director General of Police (DGP) to immediately transfer Darshan and others to different jails.  "The government has taken the case of providing royal hospitality to actor Darshan and others in Parappana Agrahara prison seriously. I have suggested that the guilty officials should be suspended immediately," CM said in a post on X on August 26. After Smoking Photo, Video of Murder-Accused Kannada Star Darshan Enjoying Video Call From Prison Goes Viral – WATCH.

CM added, "I have instructed the State Director General of Police to immediately transfer Darshan and others to different jails and to visit the jail and give a full report on the case." Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara termed it as a lapse and assured it would not be repeated. "Yesterday evening our officers went and inquired (about the incident). 7 officers were kept under suspension. This is a lapse. This should not be repeated. We also have some responsibility," he told reporters on August 26. Actor Darshan Viral Pic: Photo of Murder-Accused Kannada Superstar Enjoying Cigarette and Coffee Inside Prison Goes Viral.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Post

Darshan's Viral Photo

The actor is lodged in Parappana Agrahara prison in connection with a murder case in Bengaluru. The body of the victim, identified as Renukaswamy (33), a native of Chitradurga, was recovered in Kamakshipalya in Bengaluru on June 9.

The case was registered at Kamakshipalya police station.