Renukaswamy murder case: Kannada actor Darshan and Pavithra Gowda plead not guilty to all charges

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful assembly in the Renukaswamy murder case. The charges were formally framed by Bengaluru’s 64th Sessions Court on November 3.

The courtroom was packed when the proceedings began. Judge I.P. Naik expressed displeasure at the overcrowding, saying it was difficult to continue with so many people present. He asked lawyers not connected to the case to leave and warned that if the chaos continued, the hearing would be postponed or conducted in-camera.

The court named Pavithra Gowda as the main conspirator in the case. All 17 accused, including Darshan, denied the charges and claimed the allegations were fabricated. Following the hearing, Darshan, Pavithra, and seven others were taken back to jail. The next hearing is scheduled for November 10.

According to the chargesheet, Pavithra allegedly hit the victim, Renukaswamy, with a slipper. Darshan is accused of assaulting the victim’s private parts, which investigators say led to his death. The court also noted that some accused were allegedly offered money to falsely confess to the crime.

The murder case has been under public and media scrutiny since June 2024. Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old resident of Chitradurga and a fan of Darshan, was found dead near a flyover in Bengaluru on June 9. His body bore multiple injuries.

Reports suggest that Renukaswamy had allegedly sent inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda, which angered Darshan. Police claim that this led to a confrontation that turned violent. Darshan was arrested on June 11, followed by Pavithra’s arrest the same day.

The investigation revealed that Renukaswamy was allegedly brought to a shed in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya area before being assaulted. Several of Darshan’s close aides were also booked in connection with the crime.

With all 17 accused maintaining their innocence, the case now moves to trial. The court will begin hearing evidence from November 10, as both Darshan and Pavithra prepare to defend themselves against one of Karnataka’s most high-profile murder cases in recent years.