Darshan Seeks Bail, Claims Innocence in Renukaswamy Murder Case
Bengaluru – Kannada film actor Darshan, currently incarcerated in Ballari district prison in connection with the murder of his fan Renukaswamy, has filed a bail petition asserting his innocence and alleging that he has been framed in the case. The High Court, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, is scheduled to hear the petition on Friday.
In his bail application, Darshan contends that he has been unjustly implicated, stating, “Barring the major injury on the head, no significant injuries were found on the body of Renukaswamy. There is no clarity on his exact time of death, and contradictions exist between court statements and medical reports.” He emphasizes that there is no concrete evidence linking him to the murder, claiming that authorities have fabricated evidence against him.
Darshan’s petition highlights his significant fan following across Karnataka and internationally, providing details of his movable and immovable assets. Should the court grant bail, arrangements are reportedly being made by his wife, Vijayalaxmi, to transport him back to Bengaluru via helicopter.
The case has drawn considerable attention since Renukaswamy was abducted from Chitradurga on June 9, brought to Bengaluru, and brutally assaulted before being murdered and discarded in a drain. Darshan, along with 16 others, was arrested on June 11, and all accused are currently under judicial custody.
After 102 days in custody, Darshan submitted his bail petition through legal counsel, requesting an expedited hearing. He is also facing scrutiny from Income Tax authorities concerning financial transactions related to the case.
Additionally, the actor is implicated in separate allegations of receiving preferential treatment while incarcerated, resulting in the suspension of nine prison officials and the filing of three FIRs against him and others.
In a statement referenced in the police charge sheet, Darshan admitted to assaulting Renukaswamy but claimed he was unaware of the victim’s death at the time. The charge sheet, which spans 3,991 pages, details the circumstances surrounding Renukaswamy’s kidnapping and subsequent murder. It also reveals that Renukaswamy had communicated with Pavithra Gowda, Darshan’s partner, using a fake Instagram account, where he made inappropriate claims and messages.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to attract significant media attention, underscoring the complexities surrounding celebrity status, public perception, and the legal system in India.
