August 26, 2024:  A day after the photo of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa who is lodged in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in connection with a murder case, a photo of smoking a cigarette on an open lawn went viral, a video showing Darshan on a phone call has emerged.

The clip begins with a man in a yellow t-shirt warmly smiling at another man on a video call. As the call progress, the second man, still holding the phone, steps away, is redirecting the camera from his face. He hands the device to someone nearby, and moments later, Darshan’s face pops up on the screen.

With cheerful wave, Darshan greets the man. The man gestures towards his mouth, enquiring if the actor has eaten. Darshan, smiling, nods in response. After a brief exchange of words, the two shares a final wave and bid each other goodbye.

Darshan and Pavithra Gowda are among 17 people who were arrested in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.