Renukaswamy murder: Actors Darshan, Pavithra held after SC cancels bail

In a major development in the high-profile June 2024 Renukaswamy murder case, the Supreme Court on Thursday, 14 August, cancelled the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan, actress Pavithra Gowda, and other accused, directing their immediate arrest and expeditious trial. The apex court's strongly-worded verdict reinforced the principle that “no one is above the law”, triggering swift action by Karnataka Police, who arrested the two within hours.

The Karnataka case involves the abduction, torture, and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan who allegedly sent obscene messages to Gowda. This, the police said, enraged Darshan. Renukaswamy was alleged to have been held captive in a shed in Bengaluru for three days before his body was recovered from a drain.

Police sources said Gowda, who is accused number one, was the "major cause" for Renukaswamy’s murder, and claimed that investigation showed that she instigated the other accused, conspired with them, and took part in the crime.

Darshan was arrested from his wife Vijayalakshmi’s residence in Hosakerehalli, Bengaluru, shortly after Gowda was taken into custody from her home. Police sources revealed that Darshan was allegedly trying to evade arrest by planning to surrender in court, but officials acted swiftly on a tip-off.

A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan of the Supreme Court set aside the Karnataka High Court’s 13 December 2024 bail order, calling it riddled with “serious infirmities” and a “mechanical exercise” of judicial discretion. The court asserted that the trial court, not the high court, was the appropriate forum to weigh the evidence at this stage.

Justice Mahadevan noted that the allegations were well-founded and supported by forensic evidence, while Justice Pardiwala emphasised that “however big the accused may be, he or she is not above the law”. The bench also warned the Karnataka government against providing any VIP or preferential treatment to the accused. “If we find they are receiving 5-star treatment in jail, the jail superintendent and all involved will face immediate suspension,” the court cautioned.

Reacting to the verdict, Renukaswamy’s father Shivanagouda expressed gratitude and relief. “Our faith in the judiciary, government, and police has increased. We believe justice will be served. This gives some peace to my son’s soul,” he said. He added that the decision reinforces the idea that “the law is equal for all — rich or poor”.

Meanwhile, authorities have intensified security at Ballari Central Prison amid speculation that Darshan may be transferred there. A high-security cell has been prepared, and the compound wall, which had previously been scaled by fans, has been raised to 25 feet to prevent any untoward incidents.

The Supreme Court had issued notices in January 2025 on the Karnataka government's plea challenging the high court’s decision. With the cancellation of bail and arrests now executed, the focus shifts to the speedy commencement of the trial.