Darshan, who is accused in the murder case of his fan and 33-year-old auto driver Renukaswamy, was transferred from Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Prison to Ballari Central Jail on Thursday, August 29.

He was transferred following a controversy over a viral picture of him hanging out with three others, including a rowdy sheeter, on the lawns of the Parappana Agrahara Prison earlier this week.

However, this move didn’t put an end to controversy as while entering the Ballari jail, Darshan was seen wearing a branded black T-shirt and jeans with ‘sunglasses’ hanging over his shirt.

Ballari police sources said Darshan’s ‘sunglasses’ were power glasses, adding that undertrial prisoners and convicts who have eye issues are allowed to wear these glasses, and it was not an offense.

Adding another layer to the controversy, it was revealed that scenes from a 2017 Kannada movie, “Chowka,” in which Darshan had a cameo, were filmed at Ballari Jail. This coincidence led to speculation that Darshan’s familiarity with the jail environment might have influenced his behavior during the transfer, with some suggesting that the actor was attempting to recreate a movie moment.

The controversy erupted when Darshan was accused of receiving VIP treatment in Parappana Agrahara Prison after the viral photograph showed the actor in a relaxed mood, sitting on a chair and holding a cigarette and a coffee mug.

Additionally, a purported video of Darshan speaking to someone over a video call from prison also surfaced on social media. The Bengaluru Police have formed three teams to probe the VIP treatment allegations.

On Tuesday, a Bengaluru court granted permission to shift Darshan and his co-accused to different prisons. Strict security measures have been put in place for the actor in Ballari jail.

Darshan was arrested on June 11 in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, an auto-rickshaw driver, from Chitradurga. He was kidnapped, assaulted and murdered on June 9 allegedly at the direction of Darshan after he allegedly sent offensive messages on social media to actor Pavithra Gowda, who is rumoured to be Darshan’s partner. The investigation also found that Darshan was directly involved in the assault.

On Wednesday, August 28, the judicial custody of Darshan, Gowda and others was extended until September 9.