BENGALURU, 18 DEC

Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was on Wednesday discharged from a private hospital in Kengeri, where he had been admitted since 30 October, and he left for his wife Vijayalakshmi's residence, sources said.

On 30 October, the Karnataka High Court granted the actor interim bail for six weeks on medical grounds, following his arrest for the alleged murder of his fan Renukaswamy. Darshan had complained of back pain.

Dr Naveen Appaji Gowda, who treated Darshan, had told reporters that the actor was experiencing back and leg pain and would undergo a series of tests to determine the cause.

In a statement dated 2 December, Dr Gowda, representing BGS Hospital, stated that Darshan was being treated for lumbar spondylolisthesis and undergoing regular physiotherapy to alleviate his pain.

The statement also mentioned that Darshan needed lumbar decompression and fusion surgery, which was said to be scheduled for 11 December.

However, sources indicated that the surgery has not yet been performed. Dr Gowda was unavailable for comment.

Darshan and his friend actor Pavithra Gowda have been charged with the kidnapping and alleged murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy.

On 13 December, the High Court granted bail to Pavithra, Darshan, and several other accused in the case. —PTI