Karnataka priest suspended for keeping jailed actor Darshan’s photograph inside temple’s sanctum sanctorum

They demanded the government to sack the priest identified as Mallikarjun Swamy alias Malli.

A devotee who spoke to the media said that the priest has not just violated the rules but also has hurt the emotions of the public. “Temple is a sacred place and Dodda Basveswara temple has its own history and rituals. There are thousands of devotees visiting the temple. Darshan is a murder accused and how can the priest keep his photo with the gods and perform prayers. We will not tolerate it,” the devotee said.

Darshan’s friend Pavithra Gowda managed to act in a few movies, such as Preethi Kithabhu and Chatrigalu Sir Chatrigalu, that did not make much noise in the box office.(Instagram/Pavithra Gowda)

On June 11, the police arrested Darshan Thoogudeepa along with his friend Pavithra Gowda and 11 others in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, on June 8. According to police, Renukaswamy was murdered as he had allegedly sent abusive messages and photographs to Gowda on Instagram.

A total of 17 people have been arrested in the case so far. All of them are presently in judicial custody.