Actor Darshan was taken into custody from his Hosakerehalli residence on Thursday, reportedly escorted out through the back gate following the Supreme Court's cancellation of his bail in the Renukaswamy murder case. Darshan, identified as the second accused, was arrested soon after Pavithra Gowda, the primary accused, was also detained.

The Supreme Court bench emphasised there was "no legal reason to grant bail" to Darshan, noting that his continued liberty could pose a "risk of derailing the administration of justice." Authorities have been instructed to ensure Darshan does not receive any special treatment during his custody.

Who was Renukaswamy and why was he killed?

According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Gowda, which enraged Darshan, allegedly leading to his murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli here on June 9, 2024.

Raghavendra, one of the accused who is part of Darshan's fan club in Chitradurga, had brought Renukaswamy to a shed in R R Nagar here, on the pretext that the actor wanted to meet him. It was in this shed that he was allegedly tortured and murdered.

Police sources said Gowda, who is accused number one, was the "major cause" for Renukaswamy's murder, claiming that it has been proved from the probe that she instigated the other accused, conspired with them, and took part in the crime.

with PTI inputs