Kannada superstar Darshan, the second accused in the brutal murder of his fan Renukaswamy, has approached the Supreme Court seeking bail. In his fresh petition filed on April 14, the actor highlighted the significant delay in the examination of evidence and the trial proceedings. Despite prior directives from the apex court to expedite the case, Darshan’s legal team argued that the trial could potentially drag on for more than a year. The actor maintained that he has fully cooperated with the investigation and trial process since his re-arrest on August 14 last year.
The case dates back to June 8, 2024, when Renukaswamy was allegedly kidnapped from Chitradurga, tortured in a Bengaluru shed, and murdered. The 3,991-page chargesheet filed by the Bengaluru Police contains gruesome details, alleging that Darshan physically assaulted the victim after he reportedly sent inappropriate messages to the actor’s partner, Pavithra Gowda. The investigation suggests that the victim suffered fatal injuries to his chest, head, and private parts before his body was dumped in a canal, where it was later discovered by security personnel.
Darshan is currently lodged in the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru after being moved from Ballari jail following controversies regarding “royal treatment” behind bars. This direct appeal to the Supreme Court comes after the apex court previously canceled the bail granted to him by the Karnataka High Court. The petition, which marks another attempt by the actor to secure temporary freedom amid the ongoing legal battle, is expected to come up for a hearing in the Supreme Court next week.
