Kannada actor Darshan appeals from jail: “I haven’t seen sunlight” court hearing update

Kannada actor Darshan (Darshan Thoogudeepa) was arrested on June 11, 2024, in connection with the June 9 killing of a fan, Renukaswamy; prosecutors say the victim had allegedly stalked and abused actor Pavithra Gowda on social media in Bengaluru. A Bengaluru court on Tuesday refused a transfer request by Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, seeking a move from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison to Ballari jail.

At a hearing before the 57th CCH court in Bengaluru, Darshan, who joined via video conference, became emotional and told the judge: “I don’t want anything for anyone, please give me poison.”

The judge admonished Darshan for his statement, saying: “You cannot say such things.” Darshan then nodded and remained silent.

Transfer requests like this are typically weighed on medical or security grounds, proximity to family and investigators, and any risk to prison discipline. The court said there was no evidence of prison rule violations and therefore allowed him to remain at the central prison in Bengaluru.

This hearing is the latest in the widely followed Renukaswamy murder case, which has drawn extensive media and fans’ attention because of the involvement of the high-profile Kannada actor and others linked to the incident on social media involving actress Pavithra Gowda.

Although the court declined to transfer Darshan from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison to Ballari, it granted limited relief: he was allowed more movement within the prison & approved extra bedding, additional pillows & bedsheets in line with the prison manual.

The court noted there was no proven breach of prison rules and therefore ruled that the actor can remain at the central prison in Bengaluru.

Darshan was arrested on June 11 last year, along with actress Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, in connection with the Renukaswamy murder. He spent 131 days in custody before being released on interim bail on October 30.

On December 13, the Karnataka High Court granted regular bail to Darshan and Pavithra Gowda; the state government challenged that order before the Supreme Court. On August 14, the top court set aside the High Court’s bail order, bringing the case back into the higher courts’ spotlight.

Quick timeline on Kannada Actor Darshan (for clarity):

• June 9 – Victim Renukaswamy was killed (allegations state he had harassed actress Pavithra Gowda on social media).
• June 11 – Arrests, including actor Darshan and Pavithra Gowda.
• Spent 131 days in jail before interim release on October 30.
• December 13 – Karnataka High Court granted regular bail to Darshan and Pavithra Gowda (order challenged by the state).
• August 14 – The Supreme Court cancelled the High Court’s bail order.

Note on bail types of Kannada Actor Darshan

Interim bail is a temporary release often granted for a limited period or subject to specific conditions, whereas regular bail is a more formal release granted after a formal hearing; both can be reviewed or stayed by higher courts, such as the Supreme Court.

We will update this story as the case progresses for the latest updates on the Renukaswamy murder case and developments involving Kannada actor Darshan. Check our ongoing coverage.

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