Kannada superstar Darshan, facing charges in the fan murder case, has been granted an extension of his interim bail on medical grounds. The Karnataka High Court granted the extension until the next hearing date, which has not yet been set.
Darshan's lawyer, CV Nagesh, requested the extension, citing the actor's scheduled surgery for December 11. Nagesh argued that Darshan's condition requires a period of preparation prior to the surgery, including physiotherapy and exercises. He submitted that Darshan has not violated any court orders and is following the doctor's recommendations. Nagesh also stated that Darshan's blood pressure has been fluctuating and he is receiving steroid injections to prepare for general anesthesia.
Meanwhile, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) P Prasanna Kumar opposed the extension, arguing that Darshan was misusing the interim bail granted to him. Prasanna Kumar submitted to the court that Darshan's blood pressure variations were being addressed, and the surgery could not be performed immediately. Kumar argued that Darshan's medical situation was being dramatized and that the surgery was not urgent.
Darshan was initially granted interim bail on October 30 after spending 131 days in jail. He is currently admitted to BGS Apollo Hospital in Bengaluru under treatment for severe back pain.
The case stems from the murder of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old pharmacist from Chitradurga, who was allegedly found with 39 blood stains on his body. Darshan and his partner, Pavithra Gowda, were arrested on June 11 along with 15 others accused of kidnapping and murdering Renukaswamy. The police allege that Renukaswamy had sent derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda.
The police submitted a 3,991-page chargesheet on September 4 and an additional chargesheet later. Darshan faces three FIRs in connection with the case.
The Karnataka High Court has reserved its order on the regular bail petitions of Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and others.
