The accused were presented before Justice IP Naik, where they pleaded not guilty, paving the way for the trial to commence on 10 November.
Published Nov 04, 2025 | 8:57 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 04, 2025 | 8:57 AM
Darshan and Pavithra Gowda. (X)
Synopsis: A Bengaluru sessions court framed charges, including murder and kidnapping, against 17 accused, including Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his associate Pavithra Gowda, in the Renukaswamy murder case. Since the accused pleaded not guilty, the trial will begin on 10 November.
A Bengaluru sessions court on Monday, 3 November, framed charges, including murder and kidnapping, against 17 accused, including Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his associate Pavithra Gowda, in the Chitradurga Renukaswamy murder case.
The accused were presented before Justice IP Naik, where they pleaded not guilty, paving the way for the trial to commence on 10 November.
The courtroom was packed during the framing of charges, prompting Naik to order that everyone except the lawyers involved in the case leave. However, when the commotion continued, the proceedings were then conducted in a closed chamber.
Darshan was arrested on 11 June 2024 in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy. Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, had allegedly sent some obscene messages to Gowda on social media, which infuriated the 47-year-old actor, according to the police.
Renukaswamy’s body, with multiple injury marks, was found near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli on 9 June. A resident of the district headquarters town of Chitradurga, Renukaswamy worked with a pharmacy company.
Investigation had revealed that Darshan and his gang branded Renukaswamy with a hot metal and also subjected him to an electric shock.
The actor and several of his close associates were arrested after an attempt by Darshan to get others to take responsibility for the killing and surrender in his stead for a promise of money failed.
Police had also recovered ₹30 lakh as the proceeds of the crime, which Darshan had given to his aides to admit that they committed the murder for monetary gain.
After spending nearly four and a half months in judicial custody, the Karnataka High Court granted him interim bail for six weeks to undergo spine surgery on 30 October 2024.
The court required him to surrender his passport and execute a personal bond of ₹2 lakh with two sureties for the same amount. The bail was cancelled on 14 August.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Anisha Reddy.)
