Darshan Thoogudeepa petitions the court to return the seized money

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who was in the public eye for the high-profile murder case involving his fan Renukaswamy, is back in the news after seeking the return of money seized during the investigation. The actor was granted bail on December 13, 2024.
As per a Hindustan Times report, Darshan filed a petition in the Bangalore Court on January 21, 2025, requesting the return of Rs 37.40 lakhs that were confiscated from his residence, along with an additional Rs 3 lakh that his wife, Vijaylakshmi, had given him.
In his petition, Darshan cited the need for basic sustenance and daily necessities as reasons for wanting the money returned. The seized funds were allegedly kept at his home to destroy evidence related to the murder case. The investigating officer is expected to object to Darshan's request, as the case is still ongoing.
For the unversed, Darshan was arrested on June 11, 2024, for the alleged murder of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan who was reportedly killed after sending inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda, an associate of Darshan. The body of Renukaswamy was discovered near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 9.
The Karnataka High Court granted bail to Darshan and several co-accused after reviewing the evidence presented during the trial. However, the Karnataka government has since moved to challenge this bail decision in the Supreme Court.
As of now, all accused individuals in the murder case have been ordered to appear in court again on February 15, 2025.