BENGALURU: Following the cancellation of bail for actor Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and five other accused, the prosecution is preparing to take them into custody immediately.
Anil Nishani, senior counsel who made submissions on behalf of the prosecution, stated on Thursday, "We are waiting for the copy of the judgement. As soon as we receive it, the accused will be taken into custody."
Nishani further said, "We were confident that the accused’s bail would be cancelled. The Supreme Court objected to the liberal approach taken in granting bail and cancelled it. The Apex Court also stated that it would issue summons in cases of luxury treatment inside prisons. This is a message to the entire nation."
"There has been a notion in society that people with money and influence can walk out of prison within six months. The Supreme Court has sent a strong message that no one is above the law, " he added.
When asked when the arrests would be made, Nishani reiterated, "As soon as the judgement copy is available, we will take them into custody."
Meanwhile, police authorities are monitoring the movements of all seven accused in the case. Officers have reached the residence of accused number one, Pavithra Gowda, in Bengaluru. Sources said the Supreme Court pronounced its verdict while she was performing special prayers at the Rajarajeshwari temple. Police personnel are currently stationed in front of her residence.
Pavithra Gowda had put up a message on Instagram on Thursday morning stating, "The truth holds greater power than anything else in this world. No matter how long it takes, justice will always find its way and served." Sources stated that Pavithra Gowda broke down after the verdict.
Police are also tracking the whereabouts of Darshan. Sources indicated that he had gone to Mysuru and from there travelled towards Tamil Nadu via Chamarajanagar district. Efforts are also underway to trace other accused persons, including Jagadish alias Jagga (Accused number 6), Anukumar alias Anu (A7), Pradosh (A14), Nagaraju alias Naga (A12), and Laxman (A13).
According to sources, once the Supreme Court judgement copy is obtained, the prosecution will submit it to the trial court, obtain arrest warrants for all the accused, and initiate arrest procedures. Police have said that if the accused wishes to surrender before the trial court, they will allow it.