No Shield For Darshan: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Vows To Ensure Fair Probe Into Renuka Swamy Murder Case

Kannada actor Darshan grabbed headlines following his arrest in a murder case. Now, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has firmly rejected requests from fellow politicians and film personalities seeking to dilute the criminal charges against him.

According to a report in the Times of India, the chief minister categorically stated, "Don't come to me with requests pertaining to him (Darshan)." This declaration comes amid reports that a senior minister and several legislators, including a BJP MLA, made attempts to prevent Darshan's arrest.

A source in the CM's office told TOI: "The CM has instructed all his cabinet colleagues and party functionaries that the law will take its own course and no person is above the law. If anyone has committed a crime and there is ample evidence pointing towards it, such persons will be punished as per the law. Siddaramaiah has told all leaders not to interfere or influence the police or any government official in the ongoing investigation."

When questioned about political influence to shield actor Darshan in the murder case, the CM said, "Neither a minister nor anyone else approached me seeking my intervention." Sources further added that the CM has given "a free hand to city police to probe the matter since the word go."

Meanwhile, Kannada actor Darshan and his associates were recently arrested in connection with the murder of a fan in Bengaluru. The actor, his co-star and partner Pavithra Gowda, and 14 others have been charged with the murder of Renukaswamy. Evidence revealed that Renukaswamy, a big fan of Darshan, had sent derogatory messages to Pavitra on social media. He was later allegedly kidnapped and brutally tortured to death. Recent reports suggest that the accused even attempted to manipulate the post-mortem report to have the murder charge dropped.