Darshan Thoogudeepa arrested in murder case: 5 major controversies of 'The Challenging Star'

In one of the most sensational cases involving Darshan, he and Pavithra Gowda were detained by Bengaluru police in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy. The case unfolded when Renukaswamy was allegedly lured to Darshan's farmhouse in Mysuru, where he was tortured and killed. His body was disposed of in a drain two months ago. The motive behind the murder was linked to Renukaswamy sending lewd messages to actress Pavithra Gowda, a close friend of Darshan. This case has brought Darshan under intense scrutiny, adding another layer of complexity to his already controversial public persona.

Domestic Abuse Allegations

Darshan's personal life has been marred by accusations of domestic violence. In 2011, his wife Vijayalakshmi filed a complaint against him, leading to his arrest. The complaint detailed severe physical abuse, including a severe wound on her head. Darshan spent 14 days in judicial custody as a result. Although the marital issues were eventually resolved out of court, with Darshan publicly apologizing to his fans and attributing his actions to intoxication, the incident left a lasting impact on his image. In 2016, Vijayalakshmi again reported his objectionable behavior to the police, indicating ongoing issues in their relationship.

Alleged Affair with Pavithra Gowda

In January, actress Pavithra Gowda shared a video on Instagram celebrating ten years with Darshan, implying a long-term relationship. The video caption, "One decade down, forever to go," sparked rumors and added fuel to the controversy. Pavithra claimed that Vijayalakshmi was aware of their relationship and had accepted it, further complicating the public perception of Darshan's personal life. The affair allegations, combined with Pavithra's subsequent public statements about mental pain caused by societal backlash, kept Darshan in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Charges of Blasphemy

Darshan's public statements have also landed him in trouble. In 2023, while promoting his movie 'Kranti,' he made an objectionable comment about Goddess Lakshmi, which incited public outrage. He said, "The Goddess of Luck does not always come knocking on your door. So, when she does come, grab her, and lock her in your bedroom without giving her clothes." This comment was widely condemned for its insensitivity and perceived disrespect towards religious sentiments, leading to widespread criticism and calls for action against the actor.

Assault Charges

Darshan has faced multiple assault charges over the years. In 2021, he was accused of assaulting a waiter at a Mysuru hotel. Reports suggested that the incident was covered up, with the police compensating the waiter with Rs 50,000. More recently, in 2023, Darshan was arrested after a 48-year-old lawyer accused him of ordering his dogs to attack her for parking her car near his residence. These incidents have painted a picture of an actor with a volatile temper and a penchant for violence, further tarnishing his public image.

Disturbing the Peace

In 2023, following the success of his movie 'Kaatera,' Darshan, along with several other celebrities, was issued a notice for disturbing the peace. They celebrated the movie's success at a bar in Bengaluru, despite being warned to end the party by 12:30 AM. The festivities continued with loud music, leading to notices being issued to all attendees. This incident highlighted Darshan's disregard for public order and added another controversy to his growing list of legal issues.