Karnataka High Court granted bail to Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his friend Pavithra Gowda and seven others in connection with Renukaswamy murder case on Friday. Darshan Thoongudeepa was arrested on June 11 for allegedly murdering his fan Renukaswamy for sharing obscene messages to his friend Pavithra.
Initially, Darshan was lodged in Parappana Agrahara Jail in Bengaluru. However, he was later shifted to Ballari Central jail after he got into a controversy over 'luxury treatment'. The controversy started after a photograph of him relaxing with some of this jail inmates went viral on social media.
Some reports suggest that those seen seated with Darshan in the image are Wilson Garden Naga, a known rowdy-sheeter, and inmates Nagaraj (the actor's manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena. Additionally, another purported video of Darshan engaging in a video call has surfaced online.
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Currently, Darshan who was out on interim bail is receiving treatment for back pain at a hospital.
On June 9, the body of 33-year-old Renukaswamy was found near a drain in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru, with multiple injuries. According to preliminary investigations, Renukaswamy had been abducted from Chitradurga and allegedly subjected to torture before his death. In the aftermath, four individuals surrendered to the police, claiming responsibility for the murder, reportedly over a financial dispute, as per a report on PTI. However, inconsistencies in their statements raised suspicions of a broader conspiracy.
Further inquiries found actor Darshan, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others linked to the case.
On June 11, 2024, Darshan was arrested in Mysuru and brought to Bengaluru for questioning. The police took all suspects into custody by June 16 and presented them before the court.