Published Aug 06, 2026 | 6:58 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 06, 2026 | 6:58 PM
Darshan was arrested for his alleged links in Renukaswamy murder case. (Facebook)
The Renukaswamy murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan has taken a significant turn after two more accused, Ravishankar and Vinay, told a Bengaluru sessions court that they intend to seek approver status, days after another accused, Pradosh Rao, filed a similar plea.
If the court accepts their applications, the accused could turn prosecution witnesses and testify against the remaining accused, potentially strengthening the prosecution’s case. The court has sought the prosecution’s response and will decide on the pleas after hearing all parties.
This development comes as the trial in the high-profile murder case continues under day-to-day hearing, following the Supreme Court’s direction to expedite proceedings. Darshan and several co-accused are facing trial in the alleged abduction and murder of Renukaswamy in June 2024.
The incident happened on June 8, 2024. Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old pharmacy worker and an ardent fan of Darshan, was tortured and murdered by the actor and his associates for allegedly sending obscene messages to his female friend, believing she was responsible for issues in the Kannada superstar’s personal life.
According to police, Renukaswamy was tracked down and intercepted by Darshan’s associates at Chitradurga. They lured him into travelling with them, saying they could arrange a meeting with the actor.
The victim was taken to a shed in Pattanagere in Bengaluru, where he was subjected to torture and later killed. His body was recovered from near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru, on June 9, 2024.
The Bengaluru police launched a swift investigation, which led to revelations regarding the highly orchestrated and resulted in the arrest of Darshan Thoogudeepa, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others. A 3,991-page chargesheet was filed, detailing severe physical torture and the accused were charged with murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence under the Indian Penal Code.
Formal charges were framed by a Bengaluru sessions court on November 3, 2025, and the trial commenced shortly after, with high-profile testimonies including the victim’s parents. Although Darshan and others initially secured bail from the Karnataka High Court, the Supreme Court cancelled it in August 2025 and ordered them back into custody mandating a fast-track, day-to-day trial.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
