Jailed Kannada Actor Darshan Requests Blanket as Fan Murder Trial Proceeds in Bengaluru

Kannada superstar Darshan appealed to the Bengaluru trial court on Wednesday for an additional blanket, citing difficulty sleeping due to cold conditions in prison.

During his video conference appearance before the CCH-57 court, Darshan explained that prison authorities were refusing to provide him with a blanket and wouldn't even allow him to use one given by his family members.

The judge expressed dissatisfaction upon hearing this, questioning why prison officials were disregarding previous court instructions. The court immediately directed authorities to provide Darshan with a blanket.

Another accused in the case, Nagaraj, corroborated Darshan's claim, informing the court that prisoners were being denied blankets despite the cold weather. Darshan confirmed this statement, adding that the conditions made sleep impossible.

The trial proceedings involved the prosecution's petition under Section 264 of the CrPC to mark undisputed documentary evidence. Darshan's legal team objected to this petition, prompting the court to adjourn the matter until December 3.

The case revolves around the brutal murder of Darshan's fan Renukaswamy on June 8, 2024, in Bengaluru. The victim was kidnapped from Chitradurga, brought to Bengaluru, tortured in a shed, and killed. His body was subsequently disposed of in a canal and was discovered when security personnel at a private apartment complex noticed dogs dragging the remains.

According to the 3,991-page chargesheet filed by Bengaluru police, Renukaswamy had allegedly asked Darshan's partner, Pavithra Gowda, to engage in a secret live-in relationship with him.

Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were arrested on June 11 on charges of kidnapping and murder. Darshan was later transferred to Ballari prison following revelations of preferential treatment at Bengaluru Central Prison, though he is currently being held at the latter facility.

The Supreme Court previously canceled bail for all the accused. The prosecution's petition under CrPC 264 represents a significant step in the proceedings, aimed at expediting the trial process by marking undisputed evidence before moving to witness examination.