The Supreme Court, on Thursday, cancelled the bail of Kannada actor Darshan Thogudeepa in the sensational Renukaswamy murder case, stating that no man was above the law. The apex court said that it was a "serious case", and granting bail might put pressure on the witnesses.
A bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan pronounced the verdict after the Karnataka government moved SC against the state High Court's bail order. "The order is set aside, and the bail granted to the accused is set aside," SC said.
The bench also noted that the Karnataka HC order "suffers from perversity". "The High Court order reflects mechanical exercise of power. The grant of bail will impact the trial, and the witnesses can be influenced," SC ruled.
Darshan to be arrested soon
The Bengaluru Police will arrest Darshan again after the Supreme Court verdict.
The SC also took note of the lavish amenities that were being provided to Darshan while he was in jail last year. "The day we come to know that the accused persons are being provided 5-star treatment, the first step would be to place the superintendent into suspension along with all other officials," the bench warned.
About Renukaswamy murder case
Darshan, along with live-in partner and actress Pavithra Gowda and several others, was arrested on June 11, 2024, for the murder of Renukaswamy in Bengaluru. It all began when Renukaswamy, who claimed to be a fan of Pavithra Gowda, allegedly sent lewd messages to the actress, which enraged Darshan. Renukaswamy's mangled body was found in a drain in Bengaluru on June 8.
While in police custody, Darshan confessed to having tortured Renukaswamy before he died. According to the 3,991-page chargesheet, Darshan told the cops that he hit Renukaswamy with a tree branch and also kicked him on his head, chest and near his neck. He also admitted that he asked a bunch of his own fans to kidnap Renukaswamy and "teach him a lesson".
Darshan was later granted bail in December 13 by the Karnataka High Court after spending five months in jail as the primary accused in the murder case.
