Kannada actor Darshan Thugudeepa files fresh bail plea through senior advocate Ranjit Rohatgi, fate to be decided in the upcoming Supreme Court hearing
Bengaluru: Kannada actor Darshan Thugudeepa has once again approached the Supreme Court of India seeking bail in connection with the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case. The fresh bail application has reportedly been filed through senior advocate Ranjit Rohatgi, with the matter scheduled to be heard on May 4.
The development marks yet another legal attempt by the actor, who has been in judicial custody for several months following the cancellation of his earlier bail.
In October 2024, he made an application seeking interim bail on medical grounds, which eventually led to him being granted bail in December 2024. However, the relief was short-lived.
At the time of his re-arrest, Darshan had reportedly completed the shooting of his film “Devil.”
Earlier, he was also lodged in Ballari jail during the course of the investigation before being shifted back to Bengaluru following legal developments.
The exact grounds cited in the fresh plea are yet to be disclosed, but legal experts anticipate arguments around prolonged custody and case merits.
Further updates are expected following the Supreme Court hearing.
Background of the Renukaswamy Murder Case
The case dates back to June 2024, when Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, was allegedly abducted, tortured, and killed by a group of accused linked to Darshan. According to investigators, the victim was kidnapped on June 7, 2024, and taken to a shed in Bengaluru, where he was brutally assaulted with sticks and subjected to electric shocks.
Police sources claim the crime was allegedly triggered by objectionable messages sent by the victim to Darshan’s associate, leading to retaliation. The post-mortem report revealed that Renukaswamy died due to shock and haemorrhage caused by multiple injuries, with reports indicating severe physical torture before death.
His body was later found near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli on June 8–9, 2024, after being dumped by the accused. The case, involving allegations of kidnapping, conspiracy, and murder, continues to be under trial and remains one of the most high-profile criminal cases in Karnataka.
