Renukaswamy, who was was allegedly murdered by actor Darshan and his associates.
| Photo Credit: HANDOUT E MAIL
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The trial in the Renukaswamy murder case will finally commence on Wednesday, according to the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) in the case, P. Prasanna Kumar.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Kumar said, “Summons have been issued to Renukaswamy’s parents, who are required to appear as the trial begins.” They are the first of the prosecution witnesses to depose during the trial.
A Bengaluru court on November 3 framed charges against Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his friend Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, in the 2024 Renukaswamy murder case.
Renukaswamy (33), who worked at a medical store in Chitradurga, was allegedly abducted by associates of actor Darshan for sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda. According to police, he was taken to a shed in Bengaluru, where Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and others allegedly assaulted him to death. The body was later dumped in a storm water drain in an attempt to conceal the crime, as stated in the 3,991-page charge sheet filed on September 3, 2024.
Pavithra was named as Accused No. 1 and Darshan as Accused No. 2, detailing the alleged role of each accused in the crime. A supplementary charge sheet was submitted later.
Renukaswamy’s mutilated body was discovered near a storm water drain at Sumanahalli in west Bengaluru on June 9, 2024. The following day, four persons appeared at a police station and confessed to the crime. Subsequent questioning, however, led investigators to actor Darshan and his associate Pavithra Gowda.
The 17 accused have now been charged under Section 302 (murder), 359 (kidnapping), 120(b) (criminal conspiracy), 204 (attempt to destroy evidence) among other Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Published – December 16, 2025 11:03 pm IST
