Bengaluru – The Karnataka High Court released five fans of popular actor Darshan on bail after they were arrested for sending vulgar messages to actress‑former MP Ram Ramya. The messages came after Ramya publicly supported the family of Renukaswamy, a fan who was allegedly beheaded in a brutal murder linked to Darshan and his circle.
Judge Shivashankar Amarannavar said the case already has a charge sheet, so the accused do not need to stay in custody for the investigation. Each of the five – K. Manjunath, C.Y. Manjunath, T. Obanna, K. Pramod and Chinmay Shetty – must post a 1‑lakh‑rupee personal bond and secure a third‑party guarantor with the same amount. The court also granted anticipatory bail to Vikas B.A., another accused.
Defense lawyers highlighted that the men are young fans and their online offence poses no risk of tampering with the investigation. They noted the police have largely finished their work and the complainant, Ramya, is a prominent public figure, so there is no credible threat to her life. The prosecution disagreed, arguing the accused faced serious allegations, including threats to rape and murder.
Last week, Bengaluru police filed a 380‑page charge sheet against 12 people, all fans of Darshan, for harassing Ramya on social media. Darshan himself and his partner Pavithra Gowda are already in Bengaluru Central jail. The charge sheet contains screenshots, phone‑call records and statements from the accused. Police still seek six more suspects and will file additional documents once they are caught.
Ramya, who had previously filed a complaint for 43 social‑media accounts, described the fan messages as “disgusting and misogynistic.” The Film Industry for Rights and Equality (FIRE) and the Karnataka State Women’s Commission both urged the police to act swiftly against the abusive fans.
The court is scheduled to take up the trial soon, as authorities continue to investigate the wider fan‑murder case and the online harassment surrounding it.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
