Kannada actor Darshan skips court hearing in Renukaswamy murder case citing back pain, attends private film screening
A Bengaluru court on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over Kannada actor Darshan’s absence during a hearing in the ongoing murder case where he is one of the key accused.
The Civil and Sessions Judge, hearing the high-profile case, warned that no further exemptions would be entertained and directed that Darshan must be present for all future hearings.
Darshan’s lawyer had sought exemption from Tuesday’s proceedings, citing health issues and back pain. But just a day later, on Wednesday night, the actor was seen attending a special three-hour screening of the Kannada film Vamana, organised exclusively for him.
Sixteen out of the seventeen accused in the case, including prime accused and Darshan’s partner Pavithra Gowda, were present before the court.
CASE AGAINST DARSHAN
The 47-year-old Kannada actor was arrested on June 11, 2024 in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a native of Chitradurga.
The victim’s body was discovered near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 9. Investigations revealed that Renukaswamy had allegedly sent obscene messages to Darshan’s associate, Pavithra Gowda, which enraged the actor and allegedly led to the crime.
The Karnataka High Court on December 13 granted bail to Darshan and his Pavithra Gowda. On October 30, the actor secured interim bail on medical grounds.
