Sumalatha Ambareesh shocked by Darshan’s arrest in murder case; says he is like her ‘son’: I know him as a loving man

Actress and politician Sumalatha Ambareesh has posted a statement on Instagram on how she feels about Darshan’s arrest for the alleged murder of Renukaswamy. In a long note written in Kannada, Sumalatha detailed her relationship with Darshan, stating that she was “shocked” by everything that happened. (Also read: Film chamber contacted with film titles related to Darshan’s alleged murder case like D-Gang and Khaidi No 6106: Report)

“You don’t understand the bond between our families.”

According to One India, Sumalatha began her letter by expressing her condolences to Renukaswamy’s family. She also said that she was praying for his parents and wife, hoping that he would get justice.

Responding to criticism of her silence since Darshan’s arrest on June 11, Sumalatha wrote: “You don’t understand the bond between my family and Darshan’s family. I have known him for 25 years, even before he became a star. Beyond his fame, Darshan is like a family member to me, like a son. He has always considered Ambareesh as his father and has given me a special place in his life. No mother likes to see her son in such a situation.”

She added that the Darshan she knows would never commit a crime like this. “I know Darshan as a man with a loving and generous heart. His compassion for animals and willingness to help those in need are a testament to his character. I believe Darshan is not the kind of person who would commit such a crime,” Sumalatha wrote, adding that she would not comment further as the matter is before the court.

Sumalatha ended her note by criticising those who are directing their anger at Darshan’s wife Vijayalakshmi and son Vinish. “Darshan is still accused; nothing has been proven against him, nor punished. Let Darshan have a fair trial,” she reportedly wrote. The actor-politician also wrote that Sandalwood was “at a standstill”, calling it a “family issue”. Like Vijayalakshmi, she urged Darshan’s fans to remain calm.

Update on Darshan’s case

According to PTI, the Bengaluru court extended the judicial remand of Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and other accused till July 18. All the accused participated in the proceedings via video conferencing from Bengaluru and Tumakuru jails. They were arrested on June 11 following Renukaswamy’s murder on June 9.

For the uninitiated, police said that Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, had sent obscene messages to Pavithra on social media. These messages infuriated her friend, Darshan, which allegedly led to her murder in a shed in RR Nagar. Her body was found after she died of multiple injuries. Pavithra is listed as accused number one and Darshan as accused number two.