Renukaswamy murder case: Darshan files fresh bail plea in Supreme Court

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Apr 30, 2026: Kannada film actor Darshan Thogudepa has filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court seeking bail in the 2024 Renukaswamy murder case.

Earlier, on August 14, 2025, the apex court had cancelled the bail granted to Darshan and other accused, including Pavithra Gowda.

In his latest plea, the actor argued that only 15 of the 273 listed witnesses have been examined in the eight months since the trial commenced, indicating that the proceedings are likely to take considerable time to conclude.

Darshan, 47, was arrested on June 11, 2024, in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a native of Chitradurga. The victim’s body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 9, 2024.

Police investigations alleged that Renukaswamy had sent obscene messages to Darshan’s associate, Pavithra Gowda, which reportedly triggered the crime. Subsequently, Darshan, Pavithra, and 15 others were arrested.

A charge sheet filed by Bengaluru police on September 3, 2024, named Pavithra as accused No. 1 and Darshan as accused No. 2, citing the alleged messages as the motive.

The actor was initially granted interim bail on medical grounds on October 30, 2024, followed by regular bail from the High Court on December 13, 2024. However, this was later set aside by the Supreme Court on August 14, 2025.