The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to popular actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who was arrested on June 11 for his alleged involvement in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case. The court allowed him six weeks’ bail to undergo spine surgery, as directed by Justice S. Vishwajith Shetty of the Single Judge Bench.

Earlier this month, Darshan’s plea for bail had been rejected by a sessions court in Bengaluru, prompting him to approach the High Court. After hearing arguments on Tuesday from both the defense, led by senior advocate C.V. Nagesh, and the prosecution, represented by State Public Prosecutor P. Prasanna Kumar, the court reserved its decision until Wednesday. Medical reports supporting Darshan’s need for surgery, submitted in a sealed cover from the Ballari Central Prison and government hospital neurology specialists, were critical in securing the temporary bail.

Darshan, currently lodged in Ballari Prison, faces charges alongside others in the murder of Renukaswamy, a fan who allegedly sent inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda—a co-accused in the case and reportedly a close friend of the actor. Renukaswamy’s body was discovered in June near a drain in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru.

The police investigation revealed disturbing details, including how Raghavendra, one of the accused, had allegedly lured Renukaswamy to an isolated shed in RR Nagar under the pretense of arranging a meeting with Darshan. According to reports, Renukaswamy was then subjected to physical abuse, resulting in fatal injuries. The post-mortem indicated he died from shock and hemorrhage caused by multiple blunt force injuries.

The primary accused, Pavithra, is reported to have instigated the crime, allegedly conspiring with other involved individuals. The High Court’s interim bail allows Darshan six weeks for medical treatment, after which his bail status will be reviewed as the investigation proceeds.