Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his friend Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others charged in the 2024 Renukaswamy kidnap and murder case pleaded not guilty before the City Civil and Sessions Court (63) on Monday. The court framed charges against all 17 accused after reading out the allegations listed in the chargesheet.
The high-profile case, which drew massive public attention earlier this year, witnessed tight security and dramatic courtroom scenes as fans and advocates crowded the premises to catch a glimpse of the actor.
Charges framed against all accused
During the proceedings, the judge read out the charges against the accused and asked if they accepted them. All 17 accused, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda, denied the charges. The court subsequently recorded their statements and formally framed the charges as per the prosecution’s submission.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for November 10, when the court is expected to fix the date for the trial. The prosecution has been directed to submit a list of witnesses and the proposed schedule for their appearances during the next hearing.
Tight security and courtroom drama
In compliance with court orders, prison officials produced all 17 accused in the courtroom under heavy police security. The proceedings began at around 2:30 PM, but not before a brief disruption due to overcrowding.
When the judge noticed that the court hall was packed with lawyers, journalists, and onlookers, he instructed non-essential attendees to vacate and allow space for the accused and their legal representatives. Despite this, many refused to leave, prompting the police to intervene and clear the hall before the session resumed.
Darshan’s fans cheer outside the court
Outside the courtroom, hundreds of Darshan’s fans gathered to express their support. As the actor walked back to the prison department bus after the hearing, the crowd erupted with chants of “D Boss!” — a nickname popular among his followers.
Darshan acknowledged the crowd with a smile and salute before being escorted away by the police. A few fans attempted to approach him but were restrained by security personnel.
Following the court appearance, all 17 accused were taken back to Bengaluru Central Prison, where they remain in judicial custody.
Next steps in the trial
The prosecution is now required to provide the list of witnesses to both the court and the defence counsel. It must also indicate the sequence in which witnesses will be called and provide their appearance dates.
Legal experts believe that the framing of charges marks a significant step toward the commencement of the trial, which has been under close public and media scrutiny due to the involvement of a prominent film personality.
Background of the case
The case relates to the alleged kidnap and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of actor Darshan, whose body was found in Bengaluru in June 2024. Investigators allege that the murder was carried out by Darshan’s associates after the victim posted derogatory remarks against Pavithra Gowda on social media.
Darshan and Pavithra were arrested shortly after the incident, along with several others, and have since been facing trial for murder, conspiracy, and destruction of evidence under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
As the case proceeds to trial, both the defence and prosecution are expected to present extensive witness testimonies and forensic evidence in one of the most widely followed criminal cases in recent memory.