Darshan's Judicial Custody Extended Following His Confession Of Assaulting Renuka Swamy

A Bengaluru court extended the judicial custody of Kannada superstar Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and 15 other suspects in the fan murder case until September 12. Darshan appeared before the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate via video link from Ballary prison, while Pavithra Gowda, the primary accused, joined remotely from Bengaluru Central Prison. The remaining 15 accused were also presented from their respective prisons. Reports indicate that Darshan plans to file a bail petition following the submission of the charge sheet. ACP Chandan Kumar from Vijayanagar presented 60 new pieces of digital evidence against the defendants.

The Karnataka High Court is anticipated to review Pavithra Gowda’s bail application, contingent upon a ruling from the trial court. Darshan Thoogudeepa and the other accused are also expected to submit their bail petitions. According to IANS, Darshan is contemplating a legal move to prevent media outlets from broadcasting or publishing details from the charge sheet related to the fan murder case. Additionally, there have been efforts to replace Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar, known for his rigorous approach to high-profile cases, with more influential figures supportive of Darshan. However, the Congress government has reportedly rejected these attempts, stating that replacing the SPP could harm its reputation.

The ongoing police investigation has highlighted that prison staff had made special arrangements for Darshan, exacerbating the controversy surrounding the case.

About the case

Darshan Thoogudeepa, Pavithra Gowda, and their associates are facing charges in connection with the brutal murder of Darshan’s fan, Renuka Swamy, which occurred in Bengaluru on June 8. Renuka Swamy was abducted from his hometown of Chitradurga, transported to Bengaluru, confined in a shed, and subjected to severe torture before being killed. His body was subsequently discarded into a canal. The case was uncovered when security personnel at a private apartment building discovered Renuka Swamy's body being dragged by dogs. A 3,991-page charge sheet detailing the evidence against Darshan, Pavithra, and 15 other accused was recently submitted to the court.

In his confession, Darshan admitted to seeing Renuka Swamy already severely beaten. He acknowledged that he kicked Renuka Swamy in the neck, chest, and head and used both his hands and a wooden branch to assault him. Police sources have identified Pavithra as a central figure in the murder, noting that she played a significant role in the conspiracy and execution of the crime.

ALSO READ: Darshan Admits Assaulting Renuka Swamy; Reveals 'I Kicked His Chest And Head...Electrocuted Him...'

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