Bengaluru, August 15, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events, Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa and his close associate, actress Pavithra Gowda, were re-arrested on August 14, 2025, following the Supreme Court’s decision to cancel the bail previously granted by the Karnataka High Court. The arrests, part of the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case, have sent shockwaves through Karnataka’s film industry and reignited public interest in the ongoing legal saga. Here’s a comprehensive look at the developments, as reported for Masala Mirror.

Background of the Renukaswamy Murder Case

The case centers on the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old pharmacist from Chitradurga, whose body was discovered in a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024. Renukaswamy, a self-proclaimed fan of Pavithra Gowda, allegedly sent her inappropriate and obscene messages on social media, which reportedly enraged Darshan. According to the 3,991-page chargesheet filed by Bengaluru police, Darshan, listed as accused number two, orchestrated the abduction and torture of Renukaswamy, with Pavithra Gowda named as the prime accused (A1). The chargesheet details Darshan’s confession to physically assaulting Renukaswamy with a tree branch and directing his fans to kidnap him for “discipline.”

Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were initially arrested on June 11, 2024. After spending 131 days in jail, Darshan was granted interim bail on medical grounds on October 30, 2024, followed by regular bail from the Karnataka High Court on December 13, 2024. Pavithra Gowda and five other co-accused—Pradosh Rao, Jagadish alias Jaggu, Anukumar, Lakshman M, and Nagaraju K—also secured bail.

Supreme Court’s Intervention: Bail Cancelled

On August 14, 2025, the Supreme Court, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, overturned the Karnataka High Court’s bail order, calling it “flawed” and a “mechanical exercise of authority.” The court criticized the High Court for delving into witness statements, a prerogative reserved for the trial court, and described its reasoning as “perverse.” The bench emphasized that “no person is above the law,” warning that the bail decision could influence witnesses and impact the trial’s integrity. The Supreme Court also revoked Pavithra Gowda’s bail, leading to the immediate arrest of seven accused individuals.

The Karnataka government had challenged the High Court’s bail order in a Special Leave Petition filed on January 6, 2025, arguing that the decision was legally unsound. During hearings, Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the state, presented evidence including CCTV footage, call detail records, and forensic reports linking Darshan to the crime scene. The prosecution noted that Darshan was seen with prosecution witnesses after his release on bail, raising concerns about potential tampering.

The Arrest Drama Unfolds

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya and Annapoorneshwari Nagar police acted swiftly. Darshan was arrested from his wife Vijayalakshmi’s apartment in Hosakerehalli, where he had gone to visit his son. To evade media attention, Darshan reportedly switched vehicles and entered the apartment through a back door, but police, already stationed there, apprehended him. Pavithra Gowda was arrested at her Rajarajeshwari Nagar residence, with footage showing her visibly annoyed by the media presence. Three other accused—Pradosh, Lakshman, and Nagaraj—were arrested in Bengaluru, while Anukumar and Jagadish were detained in Chitradurga.

All seven were subjected to medical examinations and produced before a judge at their residence in Koramangala. The judge remanded them to judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, with the next hearing scheduled for August 23, 2025. The arrests were marked by high drama, with family members, including Darshan’s and Pavithra’s mothers, accompanying them to the police station. Social media erupted with reactions, with some posts describing Darshan’s arrest as a “wake-up call” for those relying on fame and influence to evade justice.

Supreme Court’s Stern Warning

The Supreme Court issued a strong message against special treatment for high-profile accused, warning prison officials of suspension if Darshan or others received “five-star treatment.” This followed reports of security lapses during Darshan’s earlier incarceration. The court stressed the importance of maintaining the rule of law, with Justice Pardiwala noting, “The need of the hour is to ensure the justice delivery system upholds the rule of law at all times.”

Impact on Darshan’s Career

The re-arrest has cast a shadow over Darshan’s career, particularly with his upcoming film Devil, which was set to release soon. The Supreme Court’s decision has put his professional commitments on hold, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future in the industry. The case has also sparked widespread outrage on social media, with fans and critics debating the allegations and the judicial process.

Legal and Public Reactions

The Supreme Court’s decision has been hailed by some as a reaffirmation of judicial integrity, while others, including Darshan’s legal team, argued that the High Court’s bail order was based on preliminary findings. Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Darshan, claimed the eyewitness statements were contradictory, but the Supreme Court prioritized the prosecution’s evidence and concerns about witness influence.

Posts on X reflected mixed sentiments. Some users, like @tv9kannada, highlighted Darshan’s temple visits and public appearances post-bail, while others, like @DeadlyLaw, emphasized the strength of the prosecution’s case, including DNA evidence and witness testimonies. However, these posts are inconclusive and reflect public sentiment rather than verified facts.

What’s Next?

With the accused back in custody, the focus now shifts to the trial, which the prosecution aims to complete within six months, involving 65 key witnesses. The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the gravity of the charges and the judiciary’s commitment to a fair trial. As the case progresses, it continues to captivate public attention, blending legal drama with the glitz of Karnataka’s film industry.

Stay tuned to Masala Mirror for the latest updates on this unfolding saga.

Sources: Times of India, The Week, LiveMint, The Hindu, The Indian Express, The News Minute, ANI via X, News18 Kannada via X.