Darshan's Return Sparks Controversy Amid Supreme Court Scrutiny
Darshan's Sudden Return to Bengaluru
In a surprising turn of events, actor Darshan returned to Bengaluru early Saturday after a trip to Thailand, amid concerns over a potential arrest following the Supreme Court's discontent with the High Court's decision to grant him bail in a high-profile murder case.
The actor's arrival at Bengaluru International Airport was marked by a significant security presence, as he was escorted by armed personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), raising eyebrows about the appropriateness of such protection for someone facing serious charges.
Witnesses noted that the CISF officers maintained a low profile, avoiding interactions with the media and fans. Upon reaching his vehicle, Darshan expressed gratitude towards the security team.
This incident has ignited public debate, with many questioning the rationale behind providing CISF security to an individual accused of murder. Darshan was accompanied by his wife and son after completing filming for his upcoming project, 'Devil', in Thailand.
While in Thailand, Darshan found himself embroiled in another controversy when a photo surfaced, allegedly depicting him at a party with Bipin Rai, a suspect in the murder of Abdul Hameed in Mangaluru, a region known for its communal tensions.
In a significant legal update, the Supreme Court has reserved its judgment regarding a petition that challenges the Karnataka High Court's bail decision for Darshan in the fan murder case, following the conclusion of legal arguments.
During the hearings, the Supreme Court bench expressed serious concerns about the High Court's ruling, stating, 'We will not repeat the High Court’s error.'
The bench, which included Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, instructed the legal representatives to submit concise written arguments within a week.
The justices criticized the High Court's exercise of judicial discretion, stating, 'We are troubled by the lack of judicious discretion in the bail order. It is understandable if a trial court judge makes an error, but how can we accept the reasoning of the High Court judge?'
The bench also reacted to a photograph showing Darshan with other accused individuals, questioning the appropriateness of such a pose after a serious crime. 'What kind of individuals are these? Is it acceptable to take a photo like this post-murder?' they remarked.
Furthermore, the court raised concerns about the dismissal of forensic and circumstantial evidence, as well as the credibility of two eyewitness statements.
'There are grave allegations of criminal conspiracy and murder, including kidnapping. How can this evidence be overlooked?' the bench inquired.
'We are not determining the punishment for the accused, nor are we exonerating him from the charges. We will not repeat the High Court's mistakes,' they clarified.
Darshan, along with his partner Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, was arrested on June 11, 2024, facing charges of kidnapping and the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, a fan from Chitradurga.