BENGALURU, 8 APRIL

A special court in Bengaluru has issued a stern warning to Kannada actor Darshan Thogudeepa for his failure to attend a hearing in the Renukaswamy murder case, citing health issues as the reason for his absence.

During the proceedings at the CCH 57th Court, key accused Pavithra Gowda and several others were present, while Darshan, listed as Accused No. 1 (A1), was not. His legal representatives informed the court that the actor was suffering from severe back pain exacerbated by his ongoing film shoot for *The Devil.*

The defence presented a copy of a High Court order allowing Darshan to travel beyond Bengaluru under his bail conditions. However, the presiding judge expressed dissatisfaction with this explanation and emphasized that the actor must be present for all future hearings.

Some co-accused, including Nandish, Jagadish, and others, attended and requested the return of mobile phones seized by police. The court has adjourned the next hearing to 20 May, underscoring the necessity of Darshan's presence.

Darshan and actress Pavithra Gowda, along with 15 others, were arrested in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga district, on 9 June last year. After spending 131 days in custody, Darshan was granted interim bail on medical grounds on 30 October, followed by regular bail from the Karnataka High Court on 13 December, despite opposition from the Bengaluru Police Commissioner.