Karnataka High Court Grants Bail to Darshan and Eight Others in Renukaswamy Murder Case

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The Karnataka High Court recently granted bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his friend Pavithra Gowda, and seven others in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. This decision was made on December 13, 2024, and has significant implications for the ongoing legal proceedings.

Darshan and the others were arrested in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, who was allegedly abducted and tortured in a shed in Pattanagere before being found dead in a Sumanahalli drain. The prosecution contended that Renukaswamy sent offensive messages to Pavithra Gowda, which led to his abduction and subsequent murder. The prosecution presented evidence including CCTV footage, call data records, and technical evidence to support their case.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued that there was a strong prima facie case against the accused, emphasizing that this was a clear case of murder and not a simple assault. They highlighted the deceptive manner in which Renukaswamy was brought to Bengaluru and the involvement of all the accused in the crime. The prosecution also pointed out the external injuries suffered by Renukaswamy and the presence of his blood at the crime scene.

However, the defense argued that the police investigation was flawed and that there were discrepancies in the evidence presented by the prosecution. They claimed that the police were aware of the crime scene before Darshan's arrest but failed to conduct proper investigations, including the seizure panchanama and post-mortem. The defense also contended that the offensive messages sent by Renukaswamy were not a justification for his death and criticized the police for their handling of the case.

The High Court's decision to grant bail came with certain conditions, including the requirement for Darshan to submit details of his medical treatment within seven days. This decision was influenced by the medical grounds presented for bail, as Darshan had been suffering from severe spine pain and needed urgent surgery.

Overall, the granting of bail to Darshan and the others marks a significant development in the Renukaswamy murder case, which continues to be a high-profile legal matter in Karnataka.