Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who was in jail for four months in Renukaswamy murder case, recently told Karnataka High Court that the victim was a menace to society. He also claimed that Renukaswamy used to send nudes to women and disrespect them.

According to a report in Times of India, senior advocate CV Nagesh, while seeking bail for Drashan, told the HC, "He (Renukaswamy), who had no respect for women, indulged in sending pornographic content, nude photos to several women, thus outraging their modesty. Messages were sent in the name of Gautam. He was a menace to orderly society. Such messages were sent not only to accused No. 1 (Pavithra Gowda) but to several other women."

The advocate also stated that Darshan has been portrayed in a negative light ever since his name has been associated with Renukaswamy's murder.

"A man (Renukaswamy) who has no regard for women and doesn't want to respect them, who is a lawless person, has been glorified, made a national hero in the case while Darshan's status has been degraded, though in real life he is a reel hero."

The hearing has reportedly been shifted to November 28.

Darshan gets interim bail

In October 2024, the HC granted interim bail on medical grounds to Darshan. The actor had to undergo a spine surgery. He was arrested on June 11, and was lodged in Ballari prison. His close friend, actress Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others are co-accused in the case.

Family of Renukaswamy refused to comment on the Court granting him interim bail, but expressed confidence that the guilty will be punished as they have faith in the judiciary and police. The victim's wife was five months pregnant when her husband was killed.

Renukaswamy's brutal murder

Renukaswamy's body was found near a drain in Bengaluru's Kamakshipalya on June 9.

As per several media reports, police stated that Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Pavithra, which enraged Darshan, allegedly leading to his murder.

Renukaswamy's post-mortem report had revealed that he died due to shock and hemorrhage as a result of multiple blunt injuries.