Bengaluru, Nov 3 (NationPress) A Karnataka court has formally brought charges against imprisoned Kannada film star Darshan, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and 15 other individuals in connection with the high-profile murder case of a fan. Darshan and the other suspects have refuted all allegations related to the brutal killing of Renukaswamy, which occurred on June 8, 2024. Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted from his home in Chitradurga, transported to Bengaluru, held captive, and ultimately killed.

After his death, the remains of Renukaswamy were discarded in a canal. The grim details of the incident emerged when security staff at a private apartment complex discovered the body being pulled by dogs.

Judge Erappanna Pavadi Naik outlined the charges against Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the other defendants, seeking their acknowledgment of the charges. The court also ensured that all accused could hear the allegations being presented clearly.

The judge stated that the trial is set to commence on November 10 and subsequently adjourned the session.

Law enforcement officials had escorted Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the other accused to the court, where extensive security measures were enforced, including deploying additional police.

The judge initially emphasized that only the attorneys involved in the case should be present, questioning the logistics of accommodating all 17 accused in the courtroom while initiating the charge framing process. Many lawyers present were asked to leave the courtroom.

Darshan faces multiple charges, including murder under IPC Section 302, causing serious injuries under Section 355, and criminal conspiracy under Section 120-b, among others.

Previously, the court had scheduled October 31 for charge framing; however, Darshan's lawyer, Sunil, sought additional time to clarify the charge framing process to his client, warning of potential legal issues if the accused were not properly informed. The court agreed and postponed the matter to November 3, urging both sides to work towards an expedited witness examination.

On September 4, 2024, police submitted a comprehensive 3,991-page charge sheet against Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 accomplices to the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court, asserting Darshan's involvement in the shocking kidnapping and murder.

The charge sheet detailed Darshan and Pavithra Gowda's roles in the conspiracy, abduction, torture, and murder, along with attempts to destroy evidence and mislead the police.

Police corroborated the timeline of the crime through CCTV footage and communications among the accused. Furthermore, forensic evidence indicated blood stains on Darshan's clothing.

Authorities collected evidence outlining the events of the crime day. They retrieved messages indicating Darshan was informed of Renukaswamy's abduction, including a photo sent to him.

Investigation agents have recorded the testimonies of 24 witnesses under Section 164 of the CrPC. Additionally, images from the phone of one of the suspects, Pradush, were recovered.

Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others were apprehended on June 11, 2024, on charges including kidnapping and the heinous murder of Renukaswamy, who allegedly sent offensive messages to Pavithra Gowda, inciting Darshan's anger.

After facing scrutiny over his supposedly privileged treatment in Bengaluru Central Prison, Darshan was transferred to Ballari Prison. He had been in custody for 131 days before being released on October 30, 2024. Following an appeal by the Karnataka Police, the Supreme Court revoked his bail, leading to his and his associates' re-arrest.