"Take Darshan In Custody": Top Court Cancels Actor's Bail, Slams High Court

In a major setback for popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, the Supreme Court has cancelled his bail in the chilling murder case of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan who was kidnapped, assaulted, and killed allegedly by the actor and his other fans. A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, this morning, set aside an earlier ruling in the case by the Karnataka High Court, and ordered that Darshan be taken into custody.

The top court also criticised the high court for undertaking a pre-trial examination that is the prerogative of trial courts, and said that it suffers from "serious infirmities".

"We considered the grant of bail as well as cancellation, and it is evident that the high court order reflects a mechanical exercise of power. The grant of bail will impact the trial, and the witnesses can be influenced," said Justice Mahadevan.

Praising the judge for penning the order, Justice Pardiwala remarked during the hearing, "Justice Mahadevan has pronounced a very erudite judgment. It is ineffable. It conveys a message that, however big the accused may be, he or she is not above the law."

Read: "Surrender Or Face Arrest" Message For Darshan After Top Court Cancels Bail

Justice Mahadevan also reiterated that the high court's bail decision was a "perverse" exercise of judicial power. Earlier, too, the court had said such a mistake in deciding the bail by a high court judge was "unacceptable".

A warning against VIP treatment being given to Darshan in custody also followed. The actor had earlier been filmed receiving special treatment at a Bengaluru jail. A photo showed him relaxing on a chair with a cup of coffee, holding a cigarette.

"The day we come to know that the accused persons are being provided five-star treatment, the first step would be to place the superintendent into suspension along with all other officials," said Justice Pardiwala.

Renukaswamy's father, Kashinatha Shivanagowdaru, welcomed the Supreme Court order and said it has reinforced his faith in the judiciary.

"When he got bail from the high court, we were stressed, but the government appealed to the Supreme Court, and today that bail has been cancelled. The Supreme Court has sent a strong message that no criminal can escape from the clutches of law," he said.

Read: Actor Darshan Gets TV In Jail, Was "Curious" To Know What Was Happening

Whoever has done wrong should be punished as per the law, added the victim's wife.

The Renukaswamy murder case last year had sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry, known as Sandalwood. The 33-year-old was allegedly kidnapped from his hometown in Chitradurga on June 8 last year, on the instructions of Darshan, after he had made lewd comments on co-star Pavithra Gowda. His kidnappers took him to a shed in Bengaluru, where he was tied up and beaten with wooden clubs. He was given electric shocks as well.

After he died, his body was dumped in the drain at midnight. It was discovered on June 9. The accused had discarded his mobile, but the investigation somehow led the cops to the crime spot, where they found bloodstains. Renukaswamy's autopsy report later said he died of a "shock haemorrhage" due to multiple blunt injuries.

Darshan, Ms Gowda, and 15 others were initially arrested in the case. The actor was granted bail by the Karnataka High Court last December. In April, the actor faced public fury after he was seen at a movie screening, hours after he skipped a court appearance, citing back pain.