Darshan, Pavithra Gowda charged with murder in Renukaswamy case
What's the story
The 64th Sessions Court in Bengaluru has charged actor Darshan, girlfriend-actor Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others with murder and criminal conspiracy in the Renukaswamy murder case. Gowda has been identified as the main conspirator. The victim (33) was a fan of Darshan (48) and had allegedly sent obscene messages to Gowda. This led to his abduction and torture before he was found dead near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 9. All accused have pleaded not guilty.
Proceedings
Judge IP Naik expressed frustration over chaotic court proceedings
The court proceedings were chaotic with a packed courtroom, forcing Judge IP Naik to express frustration. He asked lawyers unconnected to the case to leave and warned of postponing the hearing if overcrowding continued, reported India Today. Once order was restored, he began reading the charges against Gowda, noting that Renukaswamy had allegedly sent obscene messages to her before being kidnapped and assaulted in a Bengaluru shed.
Assault
Accused lured with money to take false blame
The court heard that Renukaswamy was beaten with slippers and a wooden plank, causing fatal injuries. The charges state that Gowda hit him with a slipper, while Darshan allegedly removed his pants and assaulted his private parts. Some accused were allegedly lured with money to falsely take the blame. After refusing to plead guilty, the court began signing procedures to confirm the framing of charges against all 17 accused.
Next steps
Court warns of in-camera proceedings if necessary
After the signing procedure, Darshan, Gowda, and seven other accused were taken back to the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru. The case will be heard next on November 10, marking the start of the trial. The court has warned of holding in-camera proceedings if necessary due to overcrowding during the initial charge-framing process. Darshan is a Kannada actor, known for Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna and Tarak, among others.