Darshan’s jail return: The unyielding role of IPS B. Dayananda in the Renukaswamy case

From arrest to bail cancellation, senior IPS officer B. Dayananda has been the central force ensuring that Kannada star Darshan faces the law without VIP privilege.

Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa is set to return to jail after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case. The order also applies to his partner Pavithra Gowda and five other accused.

Behind both his initial arrest and his current return to prison is one name that has remained constant, IPS officer B. Dayananda. When Darshan was first arrested, Dayananda was the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner. Now, he is the Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) for Karnataka, overseeing all jails in the state.

Also Read:BREAKING: Darshan & Co. to head back to jail as Supreme Court cancels bail in Renukaswamy murder case

From Arrest to Bail Cancellation

Darshan’s arrest in the murder case was far from an easy call. The actor’s massive fan base, celebrity image, and political connections could have deterred police action. But Dayananda made it clear: the law applies equally to everyone. He authorised ACP Chandan to arrest Darshan despite the risk of public unrest and political pressure.

Investigations revealed that the murder of Renukaswamy, initially treated as an unidentified body case, was linked to Darshan. This breakthrough came from a detailed, ground-level probe, carried out without tipping off the actor or allowing him time to influence proceedings.

Dayananda also ensured that the Chief Minister and Home Minister were fully briefed, complete with photographic and video evidence, before the arrest, preventing any political interference.

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Now, in Charge of Prisons

Although he no longer serves as Commissioner, Dayananda’s role in Darshan’s legal journey continues. As ADGP (Prisons), he will decide whether the actor is lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison or transferred to Ballari Central Prison, where sources suggest there will be no scope for “royal VIP treatment.”

Given Dayananda’s track record, it is expected that Darshan will be treated like any other inmate. With the officer’s watchful eye on prison operations, any attempt at securing VIP privileges for the actor is likely to be blocked.

Also Read:Ramya’s reaction to Supreme Court verdict on Darshan: Everyone is equal before the law

Public Expectation

For many in Karnataka, Dayananda’s handling of this case has reinforced trust in the police force’s ability to act impartially. Until the trial court decides on guilt or innocence, Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the other accused will remain in judicial custody.

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