'Haven't seen sun for 30 days': Actor Darshan rues lack of 'facilities' in jail; court chides him for 'feed me poison' drama

BENGALURU: Sandalwood actor Darshan, who was sent back to prison recently in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, Tuesday made a dire appeal to the court: "Provide basic facilities or feed me poison.

"Following the actor's dramatic appeal, the judge told Darshan that he could not make such requests nor could they provide poison. While directing officials not to provide 'celebrity status' to Darshan, the judge ordered them to allow Darshan to walk inside the barrack and provide facilities as per the prison manual.The court rejected the prosecution's request to shift Darshan and other co-accused to different prisons, allowing him to continue to stay in Parappana Agrahara prison.

Earlier, Darshan told court he was not getting even primary facilities inside Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara jail, where he has been lodged since Aug 14. He alleged he has not been allowed to leave his cell and that he was suffering from fungal infection.Additionally, the court approved his request for basic facilities—an extra bed, pillow, and bedsheet—while stressing that all provisions must strictly comply with the prison manual.

It further clarified that if any rules are violated, the Inspector General of Prisons has the authority to take disciplinary measures, including transferring the inmate.During the hearing, Darshan emotionally appealed, telling the judge that he had not seen the sun for 30 days and that his hands were affected by a fungal infection.With a touch of drama, the actor said he would rather consume poison than endure inhumane treatment. Darshan stated the Bengaluru weather was cool and the prison officials were not providing him adequate blankets and other amenities.The judge, in the order, directed the prison officials to treat Darshan and others as "civil prisoners" as they have not been convicted. The prisoner would be allowed to maintain himself and purchase or receive - from private sources, and at proper hours - food, clothing, bedding, or writing materials, books, newspapers, or other necessities, subject to examination and to such regulations as may be approved by prison officials.