Post by : Rameen Ariff

Bengaluru, November 3, 2025 — A Bengaluru Sessions Court has formally framed charges of murder, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy against Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his close associate Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.

All 17 accused pleaded not guilty on Monday, setting the stage for the much-awaited trial scheduled to begin on November 10.

The courtroom witnessed heavy attendance as the proceedings began, prompting Judge I.P. Naik to express displeasure over the crowd. “How can charges be framed with so many people here?” he remarked, instructing unrelated lawyers and the public to vacate the room to maintain order.

Once calm was restored, the court read out the detailed charges, beginning with the first accused, Pavithra Gowda. According to the charge sheet, the victim, Renukaswamy, allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra. In retaliation, he was kidnapped, brought to a shed in Bengaluru, and brutally assaulted, leading to his death.

The prosecution stated that Pavithra struck the victim with a slipper, while Darshan allegedly beat him with a wooden plank after forcing him to remove his pants. The court also noted that some accused were allegedly offered money to take the blame for the killing.

After all 17 accused refused to plead guilty, the court completed the formal signing of charge documents. Darshan, Pavithra, and seven other accused were escorted back to prison soon after the proceedings concluded.

The high-profile case has drawn intense public and media attention in Karnataka, given Darshan’s stature in the Kannada film industry.

The trial, which begins November 10, is expected to shed light on the events leading up to Renukaswamy’s death and the alleged involvement of the actor and his associates.

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