Kannada actor Darshan Thogodipa, his alleged girlfriend Pavithra Gowda and 15 others have been formally charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful assembly in connection with the incident. Renukaswamy murder case. These charges were filed by the 64th Session Court in Bengaluru on Monday. All 17 defendants pleaded not guilty. The court postponed the hearing, and the trial is scheduled to begin on November 10. Among the 17 accused, Pavithra Gowda has been identified as the main conspirator in the case.
During Monday’s trial, the defendants claimed that the charges against them were false. The courtroom was reportedly packed, prompting Justice IB Naik to express his frustration. according to India TodayHe asked: “How can charges be brought when there are so many people here?” before ordering the unrelated lawyers to leave the courtroom.
According to the charge sheet, Pavithra Gowda allegedly assaulted the victim, Renukaswamy, with slippers, while Darshan reportedly removed the victim’s clothes and attacked his genitals, leading to his death.
The court also noted that some of the defendants were offered money to falsely assume responsibility for the crime.
Despite the seriousness of the charges against them, all seventeen defendants maintained their innocence. After the hearing, Darshan, Pavithra and seven others were sent back to jail.
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Earlier, Darshan had complained that Life in prison has become “unbearable” Claiming that he had a fungal infection in his hands.
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“I can’t live like this anymore. Please, just give me poison. Life here has become unbearable,” he reportedly said, adding: “I can’t survive in prison under these conditions. Please give me poison at least. I don’t want to continue like this.”
Renukaswamy murder case
On June 9, 2024, Renukaswamy (33), a Darshan fan, was found dead near a storm water drain in Bengaluru. Two days later, Darshan was arrested in connection with the murder.
According to reports, Renukaswamy allegedly sent inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda, which is believed to have triggered the violent incident. Pavithra was arrested on the same day as Darshan.
(Tags for translation)Darshan
