In a striking assertion of judicial equality, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday annulled the bail granted to Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, and five others accused in the Renukaswamy murder case—affirming that no one, regardless of fame, stands above the law.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan condemned the Karnataka High Court’s decision as procedurally flawed and legally unsound, citing serious lapses in reasoning, including an apparent disregard for strong circumstantial evidence.
The apex court criticized how allegations—ranging from conspiracy to premeditated murder—were overlooked when granting bail under Sections 302 and 120B of the IPC.
Pointing to allegations of witness intimidation, tampering, and misuse of bail privileges by Darshan—who reportedly enjoyed VIP treatment during prior incarceration—the bench emphasized the urgent need to protect the integrity of the judicial process.
A stern warning was also issued: any special treatment in custody would result in immediate suspension of jail authorities.
Swift Arrest and Custody
Pavithra Gowda, listed as Accused No. 1, was taken into custody from her RR Nagar residence without delay.
Shortly thereafter, Darshan was arrested at his wife’s Hosakerehalli home, where police sources suggest he might have been attempting to evade authorities. Additional accused—Pradosh S. Rao, Lakshman M., and Nagaraju R.—were also apprehended and placed in custody.
By Friday, all arrested individuals were lodged at Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara, where they were processed as undertrial prisoners under standard protocol.
Case Background & Allegations
The victim, Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old resident from Chitradurga, was allegedly kidnapped, brutally tortured, and murdered in June 2024. Police investigations reveal that he had sent obscene messages to actress Pavithra Gowda.
Authorities allege that Renukaswamy was lured to a makeshift shed in Bengaluru’s R. R. Nagar—under the pretext of meeting Darshan, whom he admired—where he was confined and tortured for days. His body was later discovered in a stormwater drain near Sumanahalli.
The prosecution’s case rests on a robust mix of call records, CCTV footage, forensic test reports, and witness statements, which collectively establish a chain of conspiracy and deliberate violence.
Public Reaction: A Clear Message of Equality
Prominent Kannada actress and former MP Divya Spandana (Ramya) welcomed the verdict, viewing the apex court’s ruling as a powerful reaffirmation of the principle that “all are equal before law.”
What Lies Ahead
- Immediate custody has been enforced, and the trial must proceed without delay, as mandated by the Supreme Court.
- The judiciary’s firm stand against bail misuse underscores a broader commitment to safeguarding both victim rights and the integrity of legal proceedings.
- With high-profile names involved, authorities must remain vigilant to prevent influence or intimidation and ensure a fair, unbiased trial.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| SC Judgment | Bail was canceled for Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and others. Warning against VIP treatment |
| Arrests Made | Pavithra was arrested from RR Nagar; Darshan from Hosakerehalli; others are also in custody. |
| Custody | All lodged as undertrials in Central Prison, Bengaluru |
| Case Evidence | Strong circumstantial proof—CCTV, call logs, forensic data, witness accounts |
| Public Sentiment | Verdict hailed as justice and a reaffirmation of equality before the law |
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