Bengaluru, 10 April
Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is out on bail in a murder case, has sparked sharp criticism after skipping a court hearing on Tuesday, citing severe back pain, only to be seen at a movie premiere the very next evening.

Darshan, the main accused in the murder of Renukaswamy from Chitradurga, was required to appear before a special court as part of his bail conditions. His lawyers requested an exemption, claiming he was unwell, but the court refused, emphasising that the accused must appear "under any circumstance."

However, on 9 April, Darshan was spotted at the premiere of 'Vamana,' a film by his friend Dhanveer Gowda, at GT Mall in Vijayanagar. The actor stayed for the three-hour screening and addressed the media afterward. Notably, Darshan was accompanied by actor Chikkanna, a witness in the same murder case, raising concerns about potential violations of his bail conditions.

Darshan and 16 others, including actress Pavithra Gowda, were arrested in June 2024 for allegedly kidnapping, torturing, and murdering Renukaswamy, who had posted objectionable comments online. Despite the serious charges, Darshan has resumed shooting and travelled across multiple states since his release on bail.

The next hearing in the murder case is scheduled for 20 May.