In a major development in one of Karnataka’s most high-profile criminal cases, a Bengaluru court on Monday formally charged popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, actress Pavitra Gowda, and 15 others with murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful assembly in connection with the brutal killing of 33-year-old Renukaswamy. The charges mark a critical step forward in a case that has captivated the state since it first came to light in mid-2024, exposing a shocking tale of celebrity, obsession, and violence.

According to the prosecution, the case stems from the alleged abduction and murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, who was found dead near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya area on June 9, 2024. Police investigations revealed that the victim had allegedly sent obscene and abusive messages to actress Pavitra Gowda, who is believed to share a close relationship with Darshan. This reportedly enraged the actor, leading to the conspiracy that culminated in Renukaswamy’s death.

Court Frames Charges Against All Accused

During the proceedings held at a Bengaluru sessions court on November 3, 2025, the judge formally framed charges against Darshan, Pavitra, and the 15 co-accused. The charges include Sections 302 (murder), 120B (criminal conspiracy), 364 (kidnapping), and 143 (unlawful assembly) of the Indian Penal Code.

All 17 accused present in court pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for a full-fledged trial that is scheduled to begin on November 10. The court has also directed that all evidence gathered by the police — including CCTV footage, phone records, and forensic material — be presented during the trial.

The Special Public Prosecutor has reportedly indicated that the state will call more than 80 witnesses to testify, including police officers, forensic experts, and individuals who allegedly saw or were aware of the victim’s abduction.

Background: The Murder That Shocked Karnataka

The case first came to public attention when the body of Renukaswamy was discovered dumped near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru. According to police sources, he had been beaten to death, with multiple injuries indicating severe assault. Initial investigations led authorities to suspect that the murder was not random but premeditated.

Subsequent inquiry revealed that Renukaswamy had allegedly been sending obscene and harassing messages to Pavitra Gowda on social media. When Darshan learned about these messages, he was allegedly enraged and decided to “teach him a lesson.” Police allege that Darshan’s associates traced Renukaswamy’s whereabouts to Chitradurga, lured him to Bengaluru under false pretenses, and took him to a shed in the Kamakshipalya area.

There, according to the police charge sheet, Renukaswamy was brutally assaulted and tortured for several hours by the group, including Darshan. He reportedly succumbed to his injuries during the beating. His body was later dumped near the stormwater drain to conceal evidence of the crime.

Police Investigation and Arrests

Following the discovery of the body, Bengaluru Police formed multiple investigation teams to trace the perpetrators. Within days, they arrested several individuals linked to Darshan, including his personal staff and associates.

Darshan himself was taken into custody on June 11, 2024, after his name surfaced repeatedly during interrogation of other suspects. Pavitra Gowda was also detained soon after, accused of being part of the conspiracy that led to Renukaswamy’s abduction.

Police filed a detailed 1,400-page charge sheet earlier this year, outlining the alleged role of each accused and presenting forensic evidence, including call records and location data. The charge sheet states that Darshan played a direct role in the assault, while Pavitra allegedly instigated the act by informing Darshan about the victim’s messages and expressing anger over them.

According to the police report, Darshan and his aides orchestrated the entire sequence of events — from locating Renukaswamy to organizing the kidnapping and eventual disposal of his body. The police have also cited CCTV footage from near the crime scene and statements from eyewitnesses as key pieces of evidence.

Denial of Charges and Defense Stand

Both Darshan and Pavitra have consistently denied any involvement in the murder. Their legal counsel has claimed that the actor is being “targeted unfairly” due to his celebrity status and that there is “no direct evidence” linking him to the crime. Pavitra’s defense has argued that while she was acquainted with Darshan, she had no role in any conspiracy or criminal act.

Darshan, one of the biggest stars in the Kannada film industry, has remained in judicial custody for several months. Despite repeated attempts, his bail pleas were rejected multiple times, with the court citing the seriousness of the charges and the possibility of influencing witnesses.

Public Reaction and Industry Impact

The case has sent shockwaves through Karnataka’s film industry, where Darshan has long enjoyed immense popularity and a massive fan following. Known for his action roles and on-screen heroism, the actor’s involvement in such a heinous crime has left both fans and colleagues stunned.

While some supporters have maintained his innocence and demanded a fair trial, others have condemned the alleged brutality and called for strict legal action if found guilty. Several film producers who had ongoing projects with the actor have put their plans on hold pending the court’s verdict.

Pavitra Gowda, who has acted in a few Kannada films and was known to be a close companion of Darshan, has also faced intense public scrutiny. Her social media accounts were flooded with comments following the arrests, prompting authorities to appeal for restraint and respect for judicial processes.

What Lies Ahead

With the trial now set to begin on November 10, legal experts believe the case could take months to conclude given the number of accused and the volume of evidence involved. The prosecution is expected to rely heavily on the testimonies of police officers, forensic experts, and digital evidence obtained from phones and surveillance systems.

If convicted, Darshan and the other accused could face life imprisonment or the death penalty under Section 302 of the IPC.

The case is also being closely monitored by both state authorities and the public, as it has come to symbolize how fame and power can intersect with the criminal justice system.

For now, the court’s decision to frame charges formally brings the case one step closer to resolution, though the road ahead remains long and complex.

The tragic death of Renukaswamy — a young man whose life ended in a horrifying act of violence — continues to resonate as a stark reminder of how social media disputes can spiral into unimaginable consequences. As the trial begins, all eyes will be on the courtroom in Bengaluru, where one of the Kannada film industry’s most prominent stars will stand accused of one of its darkest crimes.