Darshan's Lawyer Says Evidence Was Tampered In Murder Case; Actor's Medical Condition Adds Urgency To Bail

The bail applications of actors Darshan Thoogudeepa and Pavithra Gowda were heard in the Bengaluru High Court on October 5. According to reports, Darshan is reportedly suffering from severe back pain. Despite arrangements for medical treatment by Ballary jail authorities, he has declined to receive care, insisting instead on being transferred to a facility in Bengaluru, according to media reports.

During the court session, senior advocate and prominent criminal lawyer C.V. Nagesh presented arguments on behalf of Darshan. While he did not formally request bail, Nagesh outlined multiple reasons why Darshan should be granted bail in the Renukaswamy murder case. The lawyer argued that the court had not been influenced by the media trial in proceeding against his client. He also had the authorities zoom in on Renukaswamy's face, disputing media claims that it had been mutilated by dogs. The criminal lawyer pointed out that his client remains in custody and urged the court to reprimand the investigating officer for submitting a flawed investigation report.

C.V. Nagesh will complete his submissions soon. Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar will present counter-arguments, and a ruling from the court is expected next week.

Additionally, the court will also address the bail plea of Darshan's partner, Pavithra Gowda, who is listed as the first accused in the case.

Media reports also suggested that a doctor, upon examining Darshan for his back pain, recommended surgery. While prison officials are prepared to arrange for treatment in Ballary, Darshan remains adamant about his desire to be moved to Bengaluru instead. Jail authorities have documented his refusal of treatment in Ballary, despite the necessary arrangements being made.

Currently, Darshan is relying on painkillers, but reports suggest that his discomfort persists.

Nagesh is expected to request the court to facilitate Darshan's transfer to a hospital in Bengaluru for better medical care.

During court proceedings on Friday, senior counsel Nagesh claimed that the evidence against Darshan has been fabricated by the police, arguing that the allegations resemble a narrative from "Arabian Nights." He contended that the circumstantial evidence linked to the fan's murder was manipulated during the investigation.

He also expressed concern about media portrayals, stating that Darshan has been unjustly labeled guilty, with media coverage effectively conducting a pre-trial and concluding he deserves either a life sentence or capital punishment. Nonetheless, Nagesh affirmed his trust in the judicial system.

The 3,991-page charge sheet submitted to the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court on September 4 provides extensive details about the alleged incident, including the claim that Darshan assaulted his fan, Renukaswamy, who was reportedly kidnapped and held captive by the actor's associates. The charge sheet alleges that Renukaswamy, who created a fake Instagram profile under the name Gowtham to connect with Pavithra Gowda, was abducted from Chitradurga on June 9 and subsequently tortured and murdered. His body was discovered in a drain at Sumanahalli. The investigation has led to the arrests of 17 individuals, including Darshan and Gowda, with three of the accused having been granted bail and released from prison.