Renukaswamy Murder Case
Bengaluru
The 57th CCH Court in Bengaluru has ordered adjournment of charge-fixing against the accused in the Renukaswamy murder case to November 3. The court, after hearing the plea of Darshan’s lawyer, postponed the hearing to the said date. Six accused, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda, were produced before the court via video conference for framing of charges.
As the hearing began, Darshan’s lawyer Sunil argued that no instructions had been received from his client and requested permission for Darshan to appear in person, seeking two weeks’ time before the trial. In response, the court directed Darshan’s lawyers to visit the jail and obtain necessary instructions, while instructing jail authorities to allow the meeting. Subsequently, the arraignment was adjourned to November 3.
Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and several others were arrested on June 11, 2024, for allegedly murdering Renukaswamy of Chitradurga and had been in judicial custody for several months. The Karnataka High Court had granted bail to seven accused, including actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, on December 13, 2024. However, the state government later approached the Supreme Court challenging this decision.
A two-judge bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan heard the plea and expressed dissatisfaction with the High Court’s order. On August 14, the Supreme Court cancelled the bail, emphasizing that everyone is equal before the law irrespective of power, popularity, or privilege. Consequently, accused Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, Jagadish, Anukumar, Nagaraj, Lakshman, and Pradosh were sent back to jail.
Later, accused Pavithra Gowda filed a bail application in the 57th Sessions Court, citing her responsibility as a single mother needing to care for her daughter. However, the court dismissed her plea. Currently, all seven accused in the case remain lodged in Parappana Agrahara Jail in Bengaluru.