Kannada actor Darshan walks free as Karnataka high court grants bail

Popular Kannada actor Darshan, arrested on charge of attempting to murder his wife, walked out of jail on Friday after being granted bail by the Karnataka High Court.

Darshan, who spent 28 days in judicial custody following his arrest on a complaint by his wife Vijaylakshmi alleging physical torture and threat to her life, was granted bail by Justice BV Pinto on furnishing a Rs 25,000 personal bond.

Justice Pinto, while enlarging Darshan on bail, summoned the actor and his wife to his chamber on October 13 to "arrive at a suitable conclusion" through negotiations, if it's possible, leading to the couple having "harmonious relationship".

Opposing his bail plea, the public prosecutor said Darshan has a "history of assaulting" his wife and caused injuries to her, including fracture. He had even used "burning cigarettes" on her and her safety would be in peril if he was released, he argued.

Some of Darshan's well-wishers in the Kannada film industry had earlier tried to bring about a patch-up to end the legal battle and had persuaded Vijayalakshmi to withdraw the case. But the lower court did not accept her plea.

Darshan, who has a good following in Karnataka, was arrested on September 9 based on his wife's complaint that he had allegedly assaulted and threatened her with a revolver.

Police had a tough time in controlling Darshan's fans outside the jail and resorted to mild caning.

Darshan had approached the high court after the the lower court rejected his bail plea.