Bengaluru:

The Karnataka High Court on Friday granted bail to Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the Renukaswamy murder case.

Along with Darshan, the court also gave bail to his friend Pavithra Gowda and seven others who are still in jail in connection with the case.

The actor was arrested on June 11 this year for allegedly killing Renukaswamy, his fan, on June 8 for sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda.

The actor was earlier lodged at the Parappana Agrahara Jail in Bengaluru, but when a photograph went viral showing him relaxing with some of the jail inmates, he was transferred to Ballari Central Jail.

Darshan is presently hospitalised for back pain.

On June 9, the body of 33-year-old Renukaswamy was discovered near a drain in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru, bearing multiple injuries.

Investigations revealed that Renukaswamy was abducted from Chitradurga and allegedly tortured before his death.

Following the discovery, four individuals surrendered to the police, claiming responsibility for the murder over a financial dispute. However, inconsistencies in their statements led authorities to suspect a larger conspiracy.

Subsequent investigations implicated actor Darshan, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others.

On June 11, 2024, Darshan was arrested in Mysuru and brought to Bengaluru for questioning.

By June 16, all suspects were arrested and produced before the court.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Bengaluru:

The jailer of the Ballari Prison has warned the Kannada actor Darshan not to create any fuss over facilities provided to him inside the prison.

“There will be serious consequences if you continue with this arrogant and obstinate attitude,” the jailer has reportedly told the actor.

Sources said that Darshan has been frequently arguing with the prison staff over facilities as the jailer informed him that they could only provide what is available within the prison and advised him to submit a petition to the court if he requires additional facilities.

The jailer also reminded Darshan that the court is closely observing his behaviour in custody and his adherence to prison rules. Instead of cooperating with the prison authorities, Darshan has been violating disciplinary norms, the jailer reportedly told him.

Darshan was also found making inappropriate gestures toward the media and his family when being brought for a family meeting. Additionally, he made demands for a television of his choice, according to sources.

They said that Darshan has become increasingly frustrated in prison as his bail petition has yet to be submitted to the court. In typical cases, murder accused are granted bail after 90 days or after the charge sheet is filed. However, in Darshan’s case, with photos surfacing of him receiving luxurious treatment inside the Bengaluru Prison at the time of the charge sheet submission, the bail petition was delayed.

Recently, he was seen making gestures toward the media at the Ballari Prison.

Pavithra Gowda, Darshan’s partner and the prime accused in the fan murder case, withdrew her bail petition from the High Court. Her counsel had vehemently argued that the court should consider her status as a woman and a single mother when granting her bail.

The court extended the judicial custody of Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda and 15 other accused in the fan murder case till September 17.

The Bengaluru Police recently submitted a 3,991-page charge sheet to the court against Darshan and others accused in connection with the kidnap and murder of his fan Renukaswamy.

Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and his associates are in the dock for the gruesome murder of Darshan’s fan Renukaswamy in Bengaluru on June 8. Renukaswamy was kidnapped from his hometown, Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, kept in a shed, and tortured to death. After he died, his body was thrown into a canal.

The incident came to light after the security personnel of a private apartment building saw the body being dragged by a pack of dogs.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)