In a significant development in the case involving Kannada actor Darshan, the Karnataka High Court has granted the actor six weeks of interim bail. The 47-year-old actor, arrested earlier this year on allegations of torturing and murdering his fan, was granted bail to undergo surgery after reporting numbness in both feet.
Justice S Vishwajith Shetty, presiding over the case, stipulated conditions for Darshan’s release, including surrendering his passport and providing comprehensive medical details to the court within seven days.
Health-Related Bail Request Sparks Legal Debate
Darshan’s legal team emphasized his urgent need for specialized surgery, seeking permission for the procedure at a private facility in Mysuru.
However, the public prosecutor opposed this request, arguing that Darshan’s medical records did not indicate the necessary duration of hospitalization and suggested the surgery could be performed at a government hospital.
ALSO READ: Amid murder case involving Darshan Thoogudeepa, pics of Renukaswamy being tortured surface online
Despite these objections, the court approved Darshan’s request, enabling him to choose his preferred medical institution.
Background of the Allegations Against Darshan
The allegations stem from an incident that reportedly began with obscene messages sent by the victim, Renukaswamy, to Darshan’s close associate, actor Pavithra Gowda. According to the police, Darshan was enraged by the messages and allegedly took matters into his own hands, resulting in Renukaswamy’s tragic death. The victim’s body was discovered on June 9, near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru, only days after the incident.
ALSO READ: Coffee mug in one hand, cigarette in the other: Viral pic claims Darshan Thoogudeepa is getting VIP treatment; 7 jail officials suspended
Following his arrest on June 11, Darshan, along with Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, faced charges connected to the crime. In September, Bengaluru police submitted a detailed 3,991-page charge sheet against the 17 accused, underscoring the severity and complexity of the case.
Darshan’s Controversial Jail Experience and Transfer to Ballary
During his time in custody, Darshan was moved to Ballary jail after photos surfaced of him smoking with three individuals in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail, raising concerns about potential preferential treatment. The incident added another layer of controversy to an already high-profile case, fueling public debate on the administration of justice for celebrities in custody.