Darshan’s Police Custody Extended In Murder Case, Kannada Actor To Stay In Jail Till June 22 – News18

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa will continue to stay in jail for two more days. On Thursday, a Bengaluru court extended his police custody till June 22. Darshan is being probed in connection to the Renuka Swamy murder case. He was arrested by the Karnataka police on June 11 following which he was sent to 6-day police custody.

Swamy was found dead at Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024. He used to reportedly work at an Apollo Pharmacy branch in Chitradurga. Reportedly, Renuka used to send vulgar messages to Kannada actress Pavithra Gowad, a friend of Darshan. Angry about this, Renuka Swamy was murdered and his dead body was allegedly thrown in a canal at Kamaksshipalya, Bengaluru in front of Darshan. Reportedly, eight of the accused have implicated Darshan, claiming his presence during Renuka Swamy’s assault.

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru court on Wednesday (June 19) also restricted media from publishing any defamatory news against Darshan. Live Law reported that the court restrained the media, their reporters, anchors or any other persons from “printing, publishing, or telecasting” any defamatory statements against Darshan, his wife Vijayalakshmi or their family.

“It shall be noted that the investigations has not been completed and therefore it is too premature to the defendants to express any opinion about the guilt or otherwise of the husband of the plaintiff. It is well-settled law that the doubts how so ever high it will not substitute the proof. Hence it is to premature to the defendants to express any opinion about the or otherwise of her husband in the alleged crime. It is improper to publish or telecast the information and news as if he has committed the guilt. Having regard to these aspects, an order of exparte temporary injunction is very much necessary,” the court said.

Several Kannada actors have come out in support of Darshan, mentioning that they have full faith in the judiciary and hoping that the truth to come out soon. Recently, actress Rachita Ram also urged the media to be “unbiased and transparent” while talking about the probe. “I pray for the departed soul, Renukaswamy. I hope his family gains the strength to bear the loss. I hope justice will be delivered in this murder case. Darshan introduced me to the cinema industry. He is like my mentor. I cannot believe that the person who used to correct my mistakes and guide me was involved in the case. I believe that the police will bring out the truth. Hope the media will remain unbiased and transparent in their reports,” her statement read.