The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday has granted interim bail to actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is implicated in the murder case of Renukaswamy, on medical grounds for spine surgery.
The bench, led by Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty, approved a 6-week bail period to allow the actor to undergo necessary medical treatment.
The court’s decision followed a detailed hearing of the bail application, which was presented by senior advocate C.V. Nagesh, representing Darshan. The State Public Prosecutor, P. Prasanna Kumar, also provided arguments during the proceedings.
The state submitted medical reports from Ballari Central Prison, where Darshan is incarcerated, along with assessments from the Head of the Department of Neurology at a government hospital in Ballari, all presented in a sealed cover.
Darshan was arrested on June 11 and has been detained at Ballari Prison since then. His initial bail application, filed on September 21, was denied by a sessions court. Subsequently, he sought relief from the High Court, citing the need for medical treatment as a basis for his request.
The murder case centers on the death of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, who allegedly sent inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda, a co-accused in the case. This led to a violent altercation, with police alleging that Darshan’s anger over the messages resulted in Renukaswamy’s murder. His body was discovered near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli on June 9.
Key to the case is Raghavendra, another accused connected to Darshan’s fan club in Chitradurga. He reportedly lured Renukaswamy to a shed in R.R. Nagar, claiming that Darshan wanted to meet him. It was here that the alleged torture and murder took place.
The post-mortem report revealed that Renukaswamy, originally from Chitradurga, died from shock and hemorrhage due to multiple blunt force injuries. Authorities indicated that Pavithra, designated as the primary accused, was the “major cause” behind Renukaswamy’s murder.
Investigations suggest that she not only instigated the other accused but also conspired and actively participated in the crime.
This case continues to attract significant attention, raising questions about fan culture and the potential consequences of celebrity influence. As the legal proceedings unfold, the court’s decision to grant interim bail on medical grounds adds another layer to an already complex narrative.
Darshan’s next steps will be closely monitored as he prepares for his surgery while navigating the serious charges against him.
