Police suspend Kannada actor Darshan’s gun licence

A file photo of film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa
| Photo Credit: File photo

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda said that the gun licence granted to Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has been suspended temporarily.

The gun licensing authority headed by the city police commissioner had issued a notice to Darshan seeking an explanation, and the decision (to suspend the licence) was taken after he responded to the notice. After receiving the response, it was decided to suspend the licence. The actor was told to deposit the firearm at the jurisdictional R.R. Nagar police station, the Commissioner said on January 21.

In December, the R.R. Nagar police had sent a request to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) seeking cancellation of Darshan’s firearm licence pointing out that he is an accused in a murder case and presently out on bail, and there is a chance of him using the firearm to threaten witnesses.

A notice was served to Darshan seeking an explanation to which he replied that he needed the firearm for his safety, as he is a celebrity and visits crowded places.

However the explanation was not considered, and the request was turned down with directions to deposit the weapon at the police station.

The city police also challenged Darshan’s medical bail citing technical reasons, which is pending in the Supreme Court.