Actor Darshan taken to hospital after he complains of severe back pain

Kannada superstar Darshan Thoogudeepa was rushed to the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) hospital in Bellary on Tuesday (October 22) night after he complained of severe back pain. The actor, who is currently in judicial custody, was taken to the hospital under tight security. Doctors conducted an MRI scan to diagnose the cause of his discomfort. Following the check-up, Darshan was brought back to Ballari prison, where he has been held since his transfer from Bengaluru in late August.
Darshan was arrested on June 11 in connection with the murder case of 33-year-old Renukaswamy. The actor, along with his friend and fellow actor Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others, has been accused of involvement in the crime. Renukaswamy, reportedly a fan of Darshan, was found murdered near the Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru on June 9, after allegedly sending derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda. According to the post-mortem report, the victim died due to “shock and haemorrhage” from multiple blunt-force injuries.
The case yet again sparked a huge controversy, especially after a photo of Darshan, appearing relaxed and holding a cigarette and coffee mug, was leaked from Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara prison. The image led to allegations of VIP treatment, prompting authorities to transfer him to Ballari Prison on August 29.

Darshan’s legal team recently filed a bail plea on health grounds, citing severe back pain that could require surgical intervention. Senior advocate CV Nagesh, representing the actor, said that Darshan has been diagnosed with L1 and L5 spinal issues by doctors at VIMS Hospital, the same facility he was taken to on Tuesday night. The court is yet to respond to the actor’s request for bail.
As the investigation continues, Darshan has been in judicial custody for over four months, with several twists and turns complicating the high-profile case.