Kannada Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and 16 Others Face Murder Charges in Renukaswamy Case

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, along with his associate Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, faced formal charges of murder and kidnapping on Monday in a Sessions Court regarding the Renukaswamy murder case.

The 17 accused individuals all entered not guilty pleas, setting the stage for the trial to begin on November 10.

During the proceedings, the courtroom was so overcrowded that Judge IP Naik expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "How can charges be framed with so many people here?" He instructed lawyers not involved in the case to exit the room.

The judge further warned that if order wasn't maintained, the hearing would either be postponed or conducted in camera.

After order was established, the court proceeded to read the charges, beginning with the first accused, Pavithra Gowda.

The list of charges included murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful assembly.

According to the charge sheet, Renukaswamy allegedly sent inappropriate messages to Pavitra, which led to his kidnapping and subsequent assault in a shed in Bengaluru.

"He was beaten with slippers and a wooden plank, resulting in fatal injuries," the judge read from the charges.

Prosecutors claim Pavithra struck Renukaswamy with a slipper, while Darshan attacked him after forcing him to remove his pants, ultimately causing his death. The court also mentioned that some accused were allegedly offered financial compensation to accept responsibility for the crime.

Following all 17 accused refusing to plead guilty, the court completed the formal charge document signing process.

Darshan, Pavithra, and seven other accused were subsequently returned to prison custody.

The trial is scheduled to commence on November 10 at the next hearing.