The Karnataka High Court has granted interim bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is currently imprisoned over alleged involvement in the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan. Darshan, named in the chargesheet, requested bail on medical grounds, citing the need for spine surgery. The court has approved his release for six weeks to allow him to undergo treatment.

Bail on Medical Grounds

Darshan’s legal team submitted medical reports indicating that he suffers from numbness in both feet, requiring surgery at a private hospital in Mysuru, which Darshan will personally finance. Darshan was arrested in June along with other individuals implicated in the murder case. Originally detained in Bengaluru, he was later moved to Ballari Prison following accusations of receiving preferential treatment in custody.

Conditions for Bail

As part of his interim bail, Darshan is permitted to select his preferred hospital for treatment. However, he must surrender his passport to mitigate the risk of fleeing, a stipulation recommended by the Special Public Prosecutor. Darshan is also required to submit details of his medical treatment within a week. Following the High Court’s order, the Sessions Court will process the bail conditions, collect the necessary documents from Darshan, and officially notify Ballari Jail.

Background of the Renukaswamy Murder Case

The murder case revolves around a reported dispute involving inappropriate messages sent by Renukaswamy to Pavithra Gowda, a co-accused and friend of Darshan. According to police, Darshan allegedly arranged an attack on Renukaswamy, whose body was discovered near a storm drain in Sumanahalli on June 9. Another co-accused, Raghavendra, allegedly lured Renukaswamy to a shed under the pretext that Darshan wanted to meet him, where he was reportedly tortured and subsequently killed. The post-mortem report attributes Renukaswamy’s death to shock and haemorrhage resulting from multiple blunt injuries.