Today, On 28th August, In the Renukaswamy murder case, the court extended the custody of actor Darshan until September 9, citing concerns that granting bail at this time could lead to witness intimidation. This decision affects Darshan, his friend Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others involved in the case, as the court continues to prioritize the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
Bengaluru: A Bengaluru court on Wednesday extended the judicial custody of Kannada actor Darshan, his friend Pavithra Gowda, and others until September 9 in the Renukaswamy murder case.
All 17 accused brought before the court following the expiration of their judicial custody on August 28.
In extending Darshan’s custody, the court noted,
“The statements of a few witnesses and the forensic report are still pending.”
The court further stated,
“If the accused are granted bail at this time, there is a possibility of witness intimidation.”
The body of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old auto driver and fan of the actor, discovered near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 9.
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According to police reports, Renukaswamy was kidnapped and murdered by a gang allegedly on the orders of the actor after he supposedly sent offensive messages on social media to actress Pavithra Gowda.
The post-mortem report revealed that Renukaswamy had been brutally beaten and subjected to electric shocks. His body bore multiple bruises, with one ear missing and his testicles ruptured.
On Tuesday, a magistrate’s court granted permission for the police to transfer Darshan from Parappana Agrahara Central Jail to a prison in Ballari after a controversi
In the photo, Darshan is seen holding a cup and smoking alongside gangster J Nagaraj, also known as Wilson Garden Naga, on the prison lawn.
Another video, purportedly showing Darshan speaking to someone over a video call, also surfaced, causing public outrage.al photo and video emerged showing the Kannada actor smoking inside the jail.
Read Also: SC Grants Bail to Auto-rickshaw driver Accused After 6 Years in Jail
The leaked photos and videos sparked controversy and drew criticism from the opposition, leading the Karnataka Home Department to suspend nine prison officials, including the Chief Superintendent of Parappana Agrahara Jail, due to security lapses.
Three FIRs also filed, including one against Darshan, under various sections of the Prisons Act.
Police seized slippers, clothing, materials, and various documents related to actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who also implicated in the murder, from Pavithra’s residence. It is alleged that Dhanaraj, also known as Raja, a member of Darshan’s group and the ninth accused in the case, administered electric shocks to Renukaswamy. The police recovered an ‘Electric Shock Torch’ from Dhanaraj’s home.
This high-profile case continues to unfold, promising further revelations and legal battles in the coming weeks. The judicial custody of Darshan Thoogudeepa marks a crucial phase in the ongoing investigation, with all eyes on the upcoming court proceedings.