Will Karnataka Police Push for Fast-Track Trial in Fan Murder Case Involving Darshan?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka police to seek fast-track court for trial.
- Supreme Court canceled bail of Darshan and others.
- Trial expected to conclude within six months.
- Darshan treated equally in prison.
- High-profile case draws significant public attention.
Bengaluru, Aug 16 (NationPress) The Karnataka police are contemplating filing a motion to establish a fast-track court aimed at expediting the trial for incarcerated Kannada superstar Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and other individuals implicated in the high-profile fan murder case, sources confirmed on Saturday.
Police officials disclosed that the department is already initiating preparations and will seek the government's approval for this action. This decision comes in light of a directive from the Supreme Court mandating the trial to be conducted swiftly.
As per sources, the police intend to conclude the trial against Darshan and the other defendants within a six-month timeframe and subsequently present a report to the Supreme Court after securing convictions.
Senior officials are currently in talks with the law department, and the formal request is scheduled to be submitted to the government on Monday (August 18).
This news has left Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the other accused in shock. They were apprehended shortly after the Supreme Court revoked their bail on August 14.
Sources from the prison disclosed that following the Supreme Court’s order, the authorities are ensuring that Darshan and his associates are treated equally with other inmates and do not receive any special treatment.
The actor has been allocated one bedsheet and food strictly following the prison menu. “The jail manual is being rigorously applied in Darshan’s case,” the sources stated.
Previously allowed to receive home-cooked meals, Darshan’s recent request for such was denied. Sources mentioned that he had sought two bedsheets due to the cold weather, but his appeal was turned down, adhering to guidelines permitting only one.
Meanwhile, Darshan’s wife Vijayalaxmi expressed her sorrow on Instagram with a broken-heart emoji alongside a picture of the actor.
In a significant turn, the Supreme Court on Thursday annulled the bail of the Kannada actor in relation to the fan murder case. The Bench ordered that the authorities take him into custody without delay.
The court similarly revoked the bail of Pavithra Gowda and five other co-accused, who were also taken into custody following the court's decision.
A Bench led by Justices R. Mahadevan and J.B. Pardiwala delivered the ruling, stating that the High Court’s prior decision was flawed. The court further mandated that witness examinations be expedited, asserting that no individual, irrespective of their status, is above the law.
Shortly after the bail cancellation, Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and five others were detained and brought before the court. They are presently held in Bengaluru Central Prison.
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were initially arrested on June 11, 2024, on charges of kidnapping and brutally murdering Renukaswamy, a fan from Chitradurga.