Karnataka HC Grants Interim Bail to Actor Darshan for Medical Treatment

The Karnataka High Court has granted interim bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, accused in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case, to undergo a necessary surgery. The interim bail, granted for a period of six weeks, was approved by Justice S Vishwajith Shetty, following an extensive hearing of arguments presented by Darshan’s defense counsel, senior advocate CV Nagesh, and state prosecutor P Prasanna Kumar.

According to the defense, Thoogudeepa has been experiencing numbness in his feet, prompting his request for surgery at a private hospital in Mysuru, a choice that drew questions from the court. The prosecution, however, argued that the actor could receive treatment at a government hospital. Despite opposition from the prosecutor, the court ruled that the state cannot mandate the location of medical treatment for an undertrial, referring to Supreme Court precedents.

The bail decision follows an earlier rejection by a sessions court on Darshan’s application, prompting the appeal to the High Court. The court has limited the interim bail duration, awaiting further evaluation of the surgery’s urgency.

The murder case, which centers on the killing of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, has drawn significant public attention. According to police, Renukaswamy had sent inappropriate messages to Darshan’s friend Pavithra Gowda, who allegedly played a key role in the incident, reportedly leading to the fatal encounter. The police assert that Pavithra instigated the attack and was deeply involved in the crime, while Darshan’s fan club member Raghavendra reportedly lured the victim to a secluded area where the fatal assault occurred.

Renukaswamy’s body was discovered in a storm drain in Bengaluru on June 9, with post-mortem results attributing his death to shock and multiple blunt-force injuries. As the investigation continues, the case has sparked widespread discussion regarding fan culture, influence, and accountability in celebrity circles.