Darshan 'effect': Section 144 around station

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Bengaluru Police on Thursday imposed Section 144 within 200 meters of Annapoor neshwarinagar police station here where actor Darshan and others are kept in police custody.

This was done after several fans of the actor staged a protest outside the station condemning his arrest. Darshan Thoogudeepa was taken into custody in connection with the murder case of a pharmacy employee in Bengaluru a few days ago.

The victim has been identified as Renukaswamy, 33, a native of Chitradurga whose decomposed body was recovered from a storm water drain near Summanahalli on June 9. The case has been registered at Kamakshipalya police station.

Around 10 people have been detained in the case. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru West, S Girish said that Thoogudeepa is currently being questioned by the police.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B Dayananda on Wednesday night issued an order imposing section 144 prohibiting unlawful assembly of four or five people around Annapoorneshwari Police Station limits.

Security was also beefed up with the deployment of more personnel. According to the orders, people are restricted from carrying wooden sticks, rods, tridents, swords, and firearms in public places.

Namaz, Puja, or any type of religious processions will be completely prohibited in public places. "In connection with a murder case registered in Kamakshipalya Police Station limits of Bengaluru, West division on 9th of June, Darshan and 12 others have been secured while the actor is being questioned. The details are yet to be ascertained and the matter is under investigation,” the DCP said at a press conference on Thursday,

Meanwhile, media personnel expressed disappointment as they were stopped by police from entering the station.