Bengaluru Court Extends Judicial Custody of Kannada Star Darshan in Fan Murder Case

A Bengaluru court has extended the judicial custody of Kannada actor Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and 15 other accused in the murder case of a fan until September 12. Darshan was brought before the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate via a video link from Ballary prison, while Gowda appeared from Bengaluru Central Prison. The other accused were also present from their respective detention facilities as their custody period ended.

During the proceedings, ACP Chandan Kumar presented 60 new pieces of digital evidence against the defendants. Following the charge sheet submission, Darshan intends to file a bail petition. The Karnataka High Court is expected to address Gowda’s bail plea after the trial court’s decision.

Additionally, Darshan is contemplating legal action to prevent media outlets from disclosing details of the charge sheet. Reports suggest he attempted to replace the Special Public Prosecutor, Prasanna Kumar, known for his integrity, but the Congress government rejected these efforts, citing the potential damage to its reputation.

Darshan, Gowda, and their associates face serious charges in connection with the brutal murder of fan Renukaswamy on June 8. The victim was allegedly abducted from Chitradurga, tortured, and subsequently disposed of in a canal. The case was unveiled when security personnel at a private apartment discovered Renukaswamy’s body being dragged by dogs. The police have filed a comprehensive 3,991-page charge sheet against the accused.