Kannada cinema icon Darshan spent his 49th birthday in the grim confines of jail, entangled in the Renukaswamy murder investigation that has rocked the industry. Yet, joy exploded outside his RR Nagar house in Bengaluru, where fans hoisted flags emblazoned with his face and belted out cheers, drawing police barricades to tame the swelling crowd.
This vivid display of allegiance reveals Darshan’s grip on his audience remains ironclad, undimmed by the shadows of serious criminal charges.
Arrested on June 11, 2024, alongside Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, Darshan faces accusations of orchestrating Renukaswamy’s kidnapping and merciless killing. The motive, per police, traces to derogatory messages the Chitradurga man sent Pavithra, enraged by her ties to the married actor.
Pavithra’s latest move is a bail application in the 57th Sessions Court, arguing her presence is vital for her daughter’s exams. Opposing counsel from the state dismissed it, with a ruling pending post-arguments.
A scandal erupted over leaked photos showing Darshan with undue comforts in Bengaluru Central Jail, leading to his transfer to Ballari Central Prison. Investigators have compiled a hefty 4,000-page chargesheet, probing deeper into the conspiracy’s threads.
Darshan’s early bail was overturned by the Supreme Court at Karnataka Police’s behest, reinstating custody. As supporters celebrate relentlessly, the case spotlights tensions between stardom, personal vendettas, and the pursuit of accountability.