Actor Darshan's Bail Cancelled By Supreme Court After Finding Defects In Grant of Bail by HC

BENGALURU: While observing severe defects in granting regular bail to murder accused actor Darshan Thoogudeepa by the High Court of Karnataka, the Supreme Court on Thursday cancelled bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa by the High Court of Karnataka and ordered for his immediate arrest in a murder case.

While setting aside the bail granted to actor Darshan, the Supreme Court warned authorities against providing special treatment to the accused in Prison.

Along with Darshan, bail granted to co-accused in the murder case including actor's girlfriend Pavithra Gowda, his associates -Lakshman, Nagaraju, Pradush, Jagadeesh and Anukumar also stands cancelled with the Supreme Court order.

The Supreme Court order stated “The order dated 13/12/2024 passed by High Court of Karnataka is set aside. The bail granted to the respondents/accused persons is hereby cancelled. The concerned authorities are directed to take the accused into custody forthwith.” Darshan was arrested on June 11 by Kamakshipalya police of Bengaluru city in connection with the alleged murder of Renukaswami, a resident of Chitradurga.

The Supreme Court stated “It is apparent that the High Court order suffered severe defects. The liberty granted under imminent order poses a serious threat to administration of justice. All subjects irrespective of their popularity and power are equally subjected to law. The bail therefore has been cancelled.”

The regular bail to Darshan, his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda and five others was challenged by the State Government in the Supreme Court. The actor was on interim bail from October 30, 2024 for six months on medical grounds and on regular bail from December 12, 2024.

Darshan, his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda and his close associates have been charged for the alleged murder of Renukaswami (33), a resident of Chitradurga, who was found dead on June 9 on roadside under Kamakshipalya police station of Bengaluru city.

On the directions of Darshan, Renukaswami was allegedly kidnapped by actor’s close associates from Chitradurga and ferried to Bengaluru city. Darshan was reportedly upset with Renukaswami over his lewd messages to Pavithra Gowda.

After ferrying Renukaswami to Bengaluru city, he was kept in a shed before he was allegedly tortured by Darshan and his associates leading to his death. The body was dumped on the roadside before it was discovered by a security guard working in an apartment.

Police investigations led to the arrests of close associates of Darshan initially and later Darshan was taken into custody by Kamakshipalya police on the statement made by his close associates. The actor was taken into police custody in Mysuru on June 11, 2024.