Actor Darshan, accused in Renukaswamy murder case, granted bail for surgery

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently in prison in connection with his alleged involvement in the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy.

In Short

• Darshan arrested for alleged involvement in murder of Renukaswamy
• He was transferred to Ballari Prison amid VIP treatment claims
• Court granted him bail on medical grounds for six weeks

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently in prison in connection with his alleged involvement in the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor. The court has provided six weeks of bail on medical grounds.

Darshan, who was named in the chargesheet for his alleged involvement in the case, sought bail on medical grounds to undergo spine surgery. His legal counsel presented medical reports indicating that Darshan was experiencing numbness in both feet, requesting permission for surgery at a private facility in Mysuru, which he would finance.

This temporary relief follows Darshan's petition citing health concerns as the basis for his bail request. The court's decision allows him six weeks outside custody for medical treatment, though he will be required to comply with any conditions set by the court.

Darshan was arrested in June, along with several others, in relation to Renukaswamy's murder case. Initially lodged in Bengaluru, he was later transferred to Ballari Prison amid allegations that he was receiving VIP treatment.

CONDITIONS FOR BAIL

The Karnataka High Court permitted actor Darshan Thoogudeepa to receive medical treatment at a hospital of his choice while on interim bail.

As a key condition of his bail, Darshan must surrender his passport to address concerns about the potential flight risk. This requirement was set after the Special Public Prosecutor requested that the court enforce passport surrender as a precautionary measure. Additionally, the court has directed Darshan to submit details of his medical treatment within a week.

As part of the conditions for his interim bail, actor Darshan is required to post a bond of Rs 2 lakh and provide two sureties. He is strictly prohibited from making any direct or indirect threats to witnesses, attempting to destroy evidence, or contacting any witnesses involved in the case.

Additionally, he must not misuse the bail privilege, as any violation of these conditions could lead to the cancellation of his temporary release.

The next steps in the process require a copy of the High Court order to reach the Sessions Court. The Sessions Court will then review the conditions, collect the necessary documents from Darshan, and forward an official email to Ballari Jail notifying them of the bail.

RENUKASWAMY CASE

The murder case stems from an alleged dispute over inappropriate messages sent by Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan’s, to co-accused Pavithra Gowda, a friend of the actor. According to police, this led Darshan to allegedly orchestrate an attack on Renukaswamy, whose body was later found near a storm drain in Sumanahalli on June 9.

Another accused, Raghavendra, reportedly lured Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar on the pretence that Darshan wished to meet him, where he was allegedly tortured and killed. The post-mortem report concluded that Renukaswamy died from shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple blunt injuries.