By Shivani P Menon
Kannada actor Darshan, facing trial in the Renukaswamy murder case, created a stir during a court appearance on Tuesday when he asked for “poison,” citing unbearable conditions in prison.
Darshan,who had attended the court hearing at the City Civil and Sessions Court through video conferencing, complained that ‘he had not been exposed to sunlight for several days.’ He alleged that fungus had begun to appear on his palms, that his clothes gave off a foul odour, deteriorating his overall since being kept indoors.
The court rejected his petition stating he had not violated any prison rules. He was further allowed certain relaxations by the court such as limited movement inside the central prison in Bengaluru. He was also granted additional bedding, including pillows and sheets, as per the provisions of the prison manual.
The prosecution had sought to move Darshan and four others to Ballari prison, arguing that it was necessary for administrative reasons. However, the defence opposed the request. The judge sided with Darshan’s lawyer, stating that only senior prison authorities can initiate such transfers, and only when inmates break jail regulations. The court also fixed September 19 as the date when charges will be officially framed in the case.
Darshan, along with actress Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, was taken into custody on June 11 2024 in connection with the killing of Renukaswamy. He spent 131 days behind bars before securing interim bail from the Karnataka High Court on October 30, which was later converted into regular bail on December 13.
That relief did not last long. On August 14 2025, the Supreme Court set aside the High Court’s order, revoking his bail. The bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan observed that his freedom could potentially sway witnesses and threaten the integrity of the trial. As a result, he was remanded back to judicial custody, where he continues to remain.
Darshan now remains in Bengaluru’s central prison under close watch as the trial moves toward framing of charges later this month.