BENGALURU
The trial in the Renukaswamy murder case has hit another roadblock, with Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) P. Prasanna Kumar accusing the accused of deliberately delaying proceedings. In a memo submitted before the Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge (CCH-57) on Friday, the SPP said the prosecution was ready to proceed, but the defence had been filing frivolous applications to stall the trial.
The case pertains to the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, whose mutilated body was found near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli, West Bengaluru, on June 9, 2024. Kannada actor Darshan, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and several others were arrested soon after. Police claim the motive stemmed from Renukaswamy sending lewd messages to Pavithra.
The SPP pointed out that Pavithra (Accused 1) filed a default bail plea on August 23, 2025, instead of presenting her arguments on the charges. Similarly, Darshan (Accused 2) filed multiple petitions seeking special facilities in prison and later requested a local inquiry into alleged denial of amenities. Prison officials, however, clarified that he was provided facilities as per the Karnataka Prison Manual, 2021.
Following a court directive, the District Legal Services Authority inspected the jail and reported on October 17 that Darshan’s claims were false. Citing the Supreme Court’s August 14 order that cancelled the accused’s bail and directed an expeditious trial, the SPP alleged that the accused had been “employing delaying tactics” instead of cooperating.
Kumar urged the court to advance the proceedings swiftly and ensure justice in accordance with the apex court’s directions.
