Bengaluru: Former Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambarish has criticised the media’s focus on the VIP treatment received by Kannada actor and murder accused Darshan Thoogudeepa.

Speaking to reporters here this morning, she questioned, “Is this the first time such incidents are happening in jails? How long has this been going on? Why is it being highlighted now? The media has not reported on these issues before. Why is it now that Darshan’s involvement is being portrayed as a major scandal? Is it fair to single him out as a culprit?”

Sumalatha also pointed out that when IPS Officer D. Roopa raised concerns about VIP treatment in jails, the media did not give it adequate attention or question the practice.

“This problem is not confined to Bengaluru jail alone. Moreover, Darshan is speaking to other jail inmates. Not anyone else from outside,” the  former  Mandya MP added.