Darshan Faces Court in Fan Murder Case; Accused Cite Police Coercion

Synopsis

Kannada superstar Darshan and 15 other defendants in the Renukaswamy murder case appeared in court, where claims of police coercion to become approvers were raised. The court adjourned the matter until April 8, 2024, amidst ongoing legal challenges regarding their bail.

Key Takeaways

Darshan and others appeared in court for bail compliance.
Accused claim police are pressuring them to become approvers.
Legal proceedings continue with a court date set for April 8.
Serious charges include kidnapping and murder.
The Karnataka Police are appealing the bail decisions.

Bengaluru, Feb 25 (NationPress) Kannada superstar Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and 15 other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case appeared before the local court in Bengaluru on Tuesday as part of their bail requirements. However, other defendants claimed they were being coerced by police to become approvers.

Advocate Sunil, representing the other accused, informed the court that police were pressuring his clients to act as approvers.

"The case should be resolved based on its merits, without undue pressure from law enforcement," he stated.

Judge Jai Shankar noted that the court must approve any request for the accused to become approvers.

The court further indicated that if a petition is submitted on this matter, it could be addressed. The matter was postponed until April 8.

Darshan, Pavithra, and the 15 others were apprehended on June 11, 2024, facing charges of kidnapping and murdering Renukaswamy, a fan from Chitradurga.

Renukaswamy had reportedly sent offensive and inappropriate messages to Pavithra, enraged by Darshan’s relationship with her despite his marriage.

Darshan was released from custody on October 30, 2024, after spending 131 days behind bars.

Sources close to Darshan indicated that Pavithra competed with his wife, Vijayalaxmi, over luxury items such as jewelry and cars.

She apparently pressured Darshan to be seen publicly with her after he had appeared with his wife.

Pavithra and Vijayalaxmi also engaged in public conflicts on social media, causing Darshan’s fans to take sides.

Renukaswamy, who supported Vijayalaxmi, criticized Pavithra, which ultimately resulted in his tragic death, according to police reports.

The Karnataka Police have appealed the bail granted to Darshan and the others in the Supreme Court. The Apex Court, on January 24, issued notices to Darshan, Pavithra, and five others concerning an appeal petition filed by the Karnataka government contesting a bail order in this high-profile fan murder case.

The bench, consisting of Justice J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, issued a notice requesting responses from the seven accused in the case, including Darshan and Pavithra. They have been instructed to file a response within four weeks.

While the bail was granted, the court mandated that Darshan and the other accused report to it every month.