Actor Darshan Arrested Again After Supreme Court Axes Bail in Fan’s Murder
Supreme Court cancels Darshan’s bail in fan murder case, orders immediate arrest.
Kannada actor-producer Darshan Thoogudeepa was arrested on Thursday, hours after the Supreme Court revoked his bail in the high-profile murder case of his fan, Renukaswamy. The court also canceled bail for co-accused actress Pavithra Gowda, named the prime accused, and five others, ordering their immediate custody. The ruling set aside the Karnataka High Court’s December 2024 bail order, which the Supreme Court deemed “perverse” and “wholly unwarranted.”
The case stems from the June 2024 murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, whose body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru’s Sumanahalli area. Police allege that Renukaswamy sent obscene messages to Gowda, blaming her for Darshan’s marital issues, prompting a violent retaliation. A member of Darshan’s fan club reportedly lured Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar under the pretense of meeting the actor, where he was tortured and killed. The September 2024 chargesheet lists Gowda as accused number one and Darshan as number two, alongside 15 others.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, criticized the High Court for its “mechanical exercise of discretion” and premature examination of witness statements, which should be reserved for trial. “Granting bail in such a serious case poses a real threat to the fair administration of justice,” Justice Mahadevan stated, citing risks of witness tampering and the gravity of charges under Sections 302 and 34 of the IPC.
Also Read: Bengaluru Man Held for Slurs Against Kannadigas
Emphasizing equality under Article 14, Justice Pardiwala warned, “No man is above the law. Any five-star treatment in jail will lead to the suspension of the jail superintendent.” The court directed an expedited trial and clarified that its observations would not influence the case’s merits.
Renukaswamy’s family welcomed the ruling, with his father, Shivanagouda, stating, “This reinforces our faith in justice, ensuring no one is above the law.” The decision marks a significant setback for Darshan, arrested on June 11, 2024, and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Also Read: Supreme Court Cancels Bail, Pavithra Gowda Back in Custody
