Karnataka murder case: Don’t approach me with requests on Darshan, says CM Siddaramaiah

BENGALURU: Slamming the doors on fellow politicians and film personalities seeking the dilution of criminal charges against Sandalwood star Darshan, chief minister Siddaramaiah has categorically stated: “Don’t come to me with requests pertaining to him (Darshan).”
The CM’s directive comes in the backdrop of reports that a senior minister and a few legislators, including a BJP MLA, had made desperate attempts to thwart Darshan’s arrest and, when it didn’t work, tried to prevent the actor’s name from being listed as accused number 1.
A source in the CM’s office told TOI: “The CM has told all his cabinet colleagues and other party functionaries that the law will take its own course and no person is above the law of the land. If anyone has committed a crime and there is ample evidence pointing towards it, such persons will be punished as per the law.” Siddaramaiah has told all leaders not to interfere or influence the police or any govt official in the ongoing investigation.
In fact, when questioned about political interference to shield Darshan, he told reporters in Mysuru: “Neither a minister nor anyone else approached me seeking my intervention.” Sources said the CM was briefed about the developments pertaining to Renukaswamy’s murder in the run-up to the actor’s arrest and “gave a free hand to city police to probe the matter since the word go”.
Home minister G Parameshwara also reiterated Siddaramaiah’s stance of giving a free hand to cops to probe the case. He clarified that no special treatment was given to Darshan, currently in police custody.
Responding to reports of police providing Darshan and his aides royal treatment, Parameshwara said, “It isn’t possible to provide biryani or royal treatment to accused persons. This hasn’t happened and it shouldn’t happen. They have given me a report that all the accused persons are being treated the same way as any other accused.”