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The 64th Sessions Court of Bengaluru on Monday (November 3) framed charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and illegal assembly against actor Darshan, his associate Pavitra Gowda and 15 other accused. All 17 accused have denied these allegations. The main hearing of the case will start from November 10.

The case pertains to the murder of Renukaswamy (33), who was a fan of Darshan and a resident of Chittadurga. On June 9, 2024, his body was found near a drain in Bengaluru. Investigation revealed that Renukaswamy had sent objectionable messages to Pavitra Gowda, after which she was kidnapped, beaten badly and died.

A large number of people were present in the court room during the hearing, which disrupted the proceedings. On this, Judge I.P. Naik expressed his displeasure and said, “How can charges be decided in such a crowd?” He instructed those lawyers who were not to the case to leave. The judge also warned that if the crowd did not subside, the proceedings could be adjourned and if necessary, an in-camera hearing would be conducted.

When arrangements were made in the court, the charges were first read out against the main accused Pavitra Gowda. The court said that Renukaswamy had sent obscene messages to Pavitra, after which she was taken to a shed in Bengaluru and killed. “He was beaten with slippers and wooden sticks, resulting in his death,” the judge said while reading the charge.

According to the court, Pavitra attacked with a slipper, while Darshan allegedly attacked the victim’s private parts, leading to his death. It is also alleged that some co-accused were paid to give false confessions.

All 17 accused told the court that they were innocent. After framing of charges, Darshan, Pavitra Gowda and seven other accused were sent back to jail. The court has fixed November 10 for the next hearing, when the trial of the case will formally begin.

This case has become one of the most talked about criminal cases in the Karnataka film industry. Police have described the incident as a pre-planned attack, while the defense says the allegations are baseless and exaggerated. The court will decide in the upcoming trial whether Renukaswamy’s death was the result of a murder conspiracy or the tragic end of a feud.

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