Darshan Faces Backlash for Court Absence Amid Fan Murder Case

Bengaluru, April 10 (NationPress) Kannada actor Darshan, identified as the second accused in the high-profile fan murder case, has sparked new controversy by attending a movie premiere while skipping court sessions due to claimed health issues. Compounding the situation, he was spotted enjoying the film alongside actor Chikkanna, who is a crucial witness in the ongoing case — thus breaching legal restrictions.

According to legal regulations, individuals out on bail are prohibited from engaging with witnesses related to their case.

The state police are expected to respond firmly to these infractions and may pursue appropriate action.

The Karnataka Police have already contested Darshan's bail in the Supreme Court.

On April 9, Darshan was present at the premiere of the Kannada film 'Vamana', in which his close friend Dhanveer Gowda stars as the lead.

He was seen limping as he entered a Bengaluru mall, where numerous fans gathered, chanting his praises.

Darshan arrived at the venue around 8 PM on Wednesday and watched the full three-hour film.

On April 8, a court in Bengaluru expressed strong disapproval of Darshan's absence from the fan murder case proceedings, attributing it to alleged severe back pain.

The Civil and Sessions Judge mandated that Darshan must attend all future hearings, stating that no excuses would be accepted for his absence.

Darshan's legal team had filed a request for exemption from court attendance, citing his reported back pain.

However, the court conveyed its dissatisfaction with this request and insisted on his presence at upcoming hearings.

Out of the 17 individuals implicated in the case, 16 — including the primary accused and Darshan’s partner, Pavithra Gowda — were present in court on April 8.

Darshan has resumed filming for his upcoming project 'Devil'. Following his release from custody on October 30, 2024, after spending 131 days in jail, he has been actively filming in Mysuru and Rajasthan, with plans to travel to Hyderabad for additional shoots, as per reports.

Insiders noted that his busy schedule has exacerbated his back pain.

In a significant development for Darshan, the Karnataka High Court granted him permission to travel nationwide on February 28, lifting previous restrictions confining him to Bengaluru and the jurisdiction of the sessions court.

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

Renukaswamy had allegedly sent offensive and inappropriate messages to Pavithra, incensed by Darshan's ongoing relationship with her despite his marriage.

Sources close to Darshan indicated that Pavithra competed with his wife, Vijayalakshmi, over jewelry and luxury vehicles.

She purportedly pressured Darshan to make public appearances with her after he had been seen with his wife.

Pavithra and Vijayalakshmi also engaged in public disputes on social media, resulting in a division among Darshan’s fan base.

Renukaswamy, who was supportive of Vijayalakshmi, publicly criticized Pavithra — a move that ultimately led to his brutal murder, according to police investigations.

The Karnataka Police have formally appealed the bail granted to Darshan and others in the Supreme Court. On January 24, the apex court issued notices to Darshan, Pavithra, and five others concerning the appeal filed by the state government.

While granting bail, the court mandated that Darshan and the other accused must report to it monthly.