Bengaluru, Oct 5 (IANS): A Bengaluru court has adjourned the bail hearing for Kannada superstar Darshan, who is incarcerated in connection with a high-profile fan murder case, to October 8 (Tuesday). The court has also postponed the bail plea of Darshan’s partner, Pavithra Gowda, to the same date.
Senior counsel C V Nagesh presented his arguments, asserting that the police's charges against Darshan amount to a "drama" designed to frame him. "There is no evidence to support claims of kidnapping or murder. The victim, Renukaswamy, dined with the accused," he stated.
Nagesh highlighted significant delays in recording eyewitness statements, particularly from a watchman who reportedly witnessed the incident but did not provide a statement until five days later. He criticised the police for their handling of evidence, emphasizing that there was a lack of immediate recordings and discrepancies in Darshan's statements.
The defence also addressed the seizure of Rs 37.5 lac in cash from Darshan's residence, claiming it was unrelated to the murder case and was part of a legitimate transaction involving a music album. He underscored that the inquest into Renukaswamy's body was unnecessarily prolonged, violating procedural norms.
The 3,991-page charge sheet filed against Darshan details how he allegedly orchestrated the abduction and murder of Renukaswamy, who was reportedly lured by a fake Instagram account created by Gowda. The victim was abducted from Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, and brutally assaulted before his body was discarded in a drain.
In total, 17 individuals have been arrested in this case, with three already granted bail. The court will also take up Pavithra Gowda's bail petition on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Darshan is suffering from severe back pain while in custody. Although prison authorities are prepared to provide treatment for him in Ballari, Darshan has refused, insisting on being transferred to a hospital in Bengaluru. His counsel is expected to request this shift during the next court session.
Nagesh expressed concerns over media portrayals, stating that Darshan has been unfairly labeled guilty before the trial, likening the situation to "Arabian Nights." He maintained confidence in the judiciary despite the media's influence.
The court is set to hear counter-arguments from Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar on October 8, with a ruling expected shortly thereafter.