High court grants six-week interim bail to actor Darshan

Bengaluru, Oct 30: The high court granted six weeks of interim bail to jailed actor Darshan Thoogudeepa on Wednesday, allowing him to undergo surgery. Darshan, accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, had filed for interim bail citing medical needs, which was approved by Justice S Vishwajith Shetty.

The single-judge bench also noted that Darshan’s petition for regular bail, challenging the trial court's denial, remains pending before the high court. Arguments regarding the interim bail were heard on October 28, with senior advocate S Nagesh representing Darshan and state public prosecutor P Prasanna Kumar arguing for the prosecution.

Darshan, arrested on June 11 and held in Ballari prison, sought bail on medical grounds with an application filed on September 21. The actor’s health reports, submitted by doctors at Ballari Central Prison and Ballari government hospital, recommended surgery for his spine and feet issues.

During the hearing, Nagesh argued for permission to have Darshan treated at Apollo Hospital, Mysuru, at his own expense. Meanwhile, Prosecutor Kumar opposed the plea, arguing for treatment in a government hospital after evaluation by a medical board. The high court, however, granted interim bail, allowing Darshan to proceed with the surgery.

Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old auto-driver, was found dead on June 9. Authorities allege he was fatally injured in an assault prompted by Darshan, who reportedly called on fans to confront Renukaswamy over derogatory remarks made online against his partner, Pavithra Gowda.