Bengaluru, Nov 19 (NationPress) Jailed Kannada superstar Darshan made a plea to the trial court in Bengaluru on Wednesday for an extra blanket, expressing that the cold conditions are interfering with his ability to sleep.

Darshan appeared before the CCH-57 court via video link for the ongoing trial. He informed the court that the cool temperatures are preventing him from getting rest and that prison officials are denying him a blanket. He also mentioned that the blanket provided by his family is being withheld by prison authorities.

Clearly frustrated, the judge questioned the prison officials on their actions, given the court's prior instructions. The judge emphasized that denying a blanket during chilly weather was unacceptable and ordered the authorities to provide one to Darshan without delay.

As the trial commenced, the court reviewed the prosecution's petition under CrPC 264 to establish undisputed documentary evidence. Darshan's legal team raised objections to the petition, leading to a postponement of the hearing until December 3.

Another defendant in the case, Nagaraj, informed the court that prisoners are not being given blankets despite the frigid conditions. Darshan corroborated this claim, noting that the cold has made it impossible for them to sleep.

The heinous murder of Darshan's fan, Renukaswamy, occurred on June 8, 2024, in Bengaluru. The victim was kidnapped from his hometown in Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, held captive in a shed, and ultimately tortured to death. His body was discarded in a canal, with the incident coming to light when security personnel spotted it being dragged by a pack of dogs.

A detailed 3,991-page chargesheet submitted by Bengaluru police reveals that Renukaswamy had solicited Pavithra Gowda to engage in a secret live-in relationship.

On June 11, Darshan, along with Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, was arrested on charges of kidnapping and brutally murdering Renukaswamy. Following public outcry over images depicting 'royal treatment' afforded to him at Bengaluru Central Prison, he was transferred to Ballari prison. He currently faces three FIRs in this matter.

The Supreme Court has denied bail for Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and their associates, and Darshan remains incarcerated at Bengaluru Central Prison.

The prosecution has submitted a petition under CrPC 264 to expedite the trial process in this high-profile fan murder case involving Kannada superstar Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and others. This marks a significant phase in the proceedings, paving the way for witness examinations to commence.