Karnataka Film Body rejects ban on Darshan's films amid Renuka Swamy murder case, here's why

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has declined to ban actor Darshan, who is under investigation in the Renuka Swamy murder case. In a meeting on June 13, the film body stated that it would await the police's conclusion of the investigation before taking any action against Darshan.

‘We have decided to send a delegation to visit the family of the victim, Renukaswamy,’ said veteran producer N M Suresh, president of KFCC, following the meeting.

This is not the first time KFCC has convened to discuss Darshan's case. Previously, the film body stated that actors cannot be banned from the industry in this manner as it would be ‘illegal’.

Interestingly, this decision comes a day after Swamy's parents spoke to the media in Bengaluru, demanding justice for their son and calling for a ban on Darshan in the film industry.

‘God should give Darshan enlightenment not to hurt anyone like my son in the future. My son's wife is pregnant. I am retired, and how is she supposed to lead her life?’ Swamy's father, Shivanagouda, said.

Darshan is under investigation for his alleged involvement in the Renuka Swamy murder case. The actor was arrested by Bengaluru police in Mysuru on June 11 and has been placed in 6-day police custody.

Renuka Swamy was found dead at Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024. He reportedly worked at an Apollo Pharmacy branch in Chitradurga. Earlier, police officials stated that Renuka had sent inappropriate messages to Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, a friend of Darshan. Allegedly, enraged by this, Renuka Swamy was killed, and his body was dumped in a canal at Kamaksshipalya, Bengaluru, in front of Darshan. Reportedly, eight of the accused have named Darshan, claiming he was present during Renuka Swamy’s attack.

Karnataka police officials stated that Darshan and his associates beat Renuka Swamy with sticks and slammed him against a wall, resulting in his death. Sources claimed, ‘It was Pavithra who instigated Darshan to punish Renukaswamy. Accordingly, the plan was hatched.’

Fifteen people have been arrested in the case, including Darshan and his close actress-friend Pavithra. On June 13 afternoon, Darshan's co-star Pradosh and close aide Nagaraj were also arrested. Police sources allege that Nagaraj managed all of Darshan's affairs, including overseeing his farmhouse in Mysuru. He had been on the run since police arrested Darshan earlier in the week. Details regarding Pradosh's involvement in the murder case are currently unknown.

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