Darshan, Pavithra Gowda exchange words mid-hearing in Renukaswamy murder case
Synopsis
During a video conference hearing in the Renukaswamy fan murder case, jailed actor Darshan and co-accused Pavithra Gowda were caught speaking to each other when the court connection dropped — discussing their hardships and a possible four-month wait. The conversation may constitute a violation of court proceedings, raising fresh questions about the conduct of virtual hearings in high-profile criminal trials.
Key Takeaways
Darshan and Pavithra Gowda briefly exchanged words on 12 November during a video conference hearing before the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court, Bengaluru .
The exchange occurred when the video conference connection was disrupted; it reportedly ceased once the link was restored.
Darshan reportedly told Pavithra they may have to remain in their current situation for another four months .
The conversation may amount to a violation of court proceedings ; the court is yet to take cognisance of the matter.
Darshan is receiving physiotherapy inside prison for recurring back pain, with court permission.
Renukaswamy , a 33-year-old fan, was allegedly abducted from Chitradurga , tortured and killed in Bengaluru in June 2024 ; his body was found in a stormwater drain.
Jailed Kannada actor Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda, both accused in the Renukaswamy fan murder case, were seen briefly conversing with each other on Thursday, 12 November during a video conference hearing before the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru. The exchange — centred on the hardships they were enduring and the likely duration of the trial — may amount to a violation of court proceedings, and it remains to be seen whether the court will take cognisance of the matter.
How the Exchange Unfolded
The conversation occurred when the video conference connection was disrupted mid-hearing, leaving the two accused briefly able to communicate outside the formal session. Once the connection was restored, the exchange ceased. According to reports, Pavithra asked Darshan how many more days they would have to endure the present situation. Darshan reportedly replied that they might have to remain in custody for another four months.
Pavithra then told Darshan she was facing considerable difficulties, to which he responded that his side was also experiencing problems. He reportedly indicated there was little they could do at the moment and that they would have to wait patiently. When Pavithra enquired about his back pain, Darshan made a gesture suggesting his condition was worsening.
Darshan's Health and Trial Arrangements
Darshan has been suffering from recurring back pain while in custody. The court has permitted him to receive physiotherapy treatment inside the prison, according to reports. The trial in the Renukaswamy murder case is being conducted entirely through video conferencing, with Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and the other accused appearing virtually for each hearing before the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court.
Background: The Renukaswamy Murder Case
Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan of Darshan, was allegedly abducted, tortured and killed in Bengaluru in June 2024. Police allege that he was targeted over objectionable messages he had reportedly sent to Pavithra Gowda. According to the police investigation, Renukaswamy was abducted from Chitradurga and brought to a shed in Bengaluru, where he was allegedly assaulted before being killed. His body was subsequently discovered in a stormwater drain in the city.
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and several others were arrested in connection with the case. The matter has drawn sustained public attention given Darshan's prominent profile in the Kannada film industry.
What Happens Next
Whether the court will formally address the mid-hearing exchange between the two accused is yet to be determined. The trial's progress, as Darshan himself reportedly acknowledged, may extend by several more months, keeping the case in the spotlight well into the new year.
Point of View
Karnataka's judiciary may need to revisit its video conferencing safeguards before the trial reaches its most critical evidentiary stages.
NationPress
13 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened between Darshan and Pavithra Gowda during the court hearing?
During a video conference hearing in the Renukaswamy murder case on 12 November, actor Darshan and co-accused Pavithra Gowda were seen briefly talking to each other when the court's connection was disrupted. Their conversation reportedly covered the hardships they were facing and how long the trial might take, before stopping once the link was restored.
Could their exchange be treated as a violation of court proceedings?
Legal observers note that communication between co-accused during court proceedings can amount to a procedural violation. It remains to be seen whether the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru will take formal cognisance of the incident.
What is the Renukaswamy fan murder case?
The case involves the alleged abduction, torture and murder of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan of Kannada actor Darshan, in Bengaluru in June 2024. Police allege he was targeted over objectionable messages sent to Pavithra Gowda; his body was found in a stormwater drain after he was allegedly brought from Chitradurga.
How long does Darshan expect to remain in custody?
Darshan reportedly told Pavithra Gowda during the exchange that they may have to remain in their current situation for approximately four more months, though this was an informal estimate during a private conversation, not an official court communication.
What is the current status of Darshan's health?
Darshan has been experiencing recurring back pain while in judicial custody. The court has permitted him to receive physiotherapy treatment inside the prison, according to reports from the hearing.
