Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging the recent suspension of his arms licence. The hearing date for the case is yet to be set, with Thoogudeepa’s petition arguing that his weapon is crucial for his and his family’s safety due to his high-profile status as an actor. He contends that his licence should not be revoked merely due to the potential for misuse.
Thoogudeepa, who is accused in the murder of his fan, Renukaswamy, from Chitradurga, was arrested on June 11, 2024, after the victim’s body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru. He was granted bail four months later. The case stems from an alleged altercation involving vulgar messages sent by Renukaswamy to Pavithra Gowda, a friend of Thoogudeepa. A chargesheet running over 3,000 pages has been filed, and the actor faces charges of murder and evidence destruction.
In light of the ongoing case, Thoogudeepa had surrendered his firearm following an order from Bengaluru Police earlier this month. The police had requested the cancellation of his arms licence, citing concerns that the weapon could be used in witness intimidation.
Thoogudeepa, along with several co-accused, was granted bail in December 2024, but the legal proceedings around the arms licence suspension continue.
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