Darshan counsel: Evidence 'planted' in murder case

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, appeared before the Karnataka High Court on Monday, claiming that all evidence against him had been “planted” by the prosecution. Senior Advocate CV Nagesh, representing Darshan, argued that the police failed to explain delays in witness statements, the post-mortem, and seizing materials from the crime scene. Nagesh also disputed the prosecution’s claim that the case was one of murder (under Section 302) rather than culpable homicide (Section 304), highlighting that the deceased, Renukaswamy, had only one bleeding injury as reported by the Bar and Bench.

Nagesh criticised the prosecution's assertions of excessive blood at the crime scene, particularly the claim of blood “oozing out of the deceased’s testicles,” calling it a fabrication. He argued that the evidence against Darshan was insufficient to deny him bail. Nagesh also rejected claims that Darshan was misusing the court’s sympathy due to health issues. He pointed out that only doctors could determine when his surgery could be performed.
The Bar and Bench report stated that Special Public Prosecutor P. Prasanna Kumar countered, stating that Renukaswamy’s death was a clear case of murder, citing 39 serious injuries and 17 fractures. He also opposed the bail applications, emphasising the strong evidence, including digital footprints, FSL reports, and witness statements, linking Darshan and his co-accused to the crime.

Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty reserved his orders on the bail pleas and stated that Darshan’s interim bail, granted on medical grounds, would remain in effect until the court delivered its verdict. Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old auto-driver, was allegedly murdered following derogatory remarks he made about Pavithra Gowda on social media. Darshan was arrested on June 11, and interim bail was granted on October 30.