Renukaswamy murder case: Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda’s bail plea rejected

Team Udayavani, Oct 14, 2024, 6:18 PM IST

Bengaluru: In connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, the 57th CCH Court on Monday (October 14) rejected the bail pleas of Actor Darshan (A2) and Pavithra Gowda (A1).

With the court dismissing their applications, both will remain in judicial custody. The court also denied bail to accused Nagraj (A11) and Lakshman (A12), while granting bail to Ravi Shankar (A8) and Deepak (A13).

Judge Jaishankar, after hearing arguments from Darshan’s lawyer Nagesh and the prosecution led by SPC Prasanna Kumar, announced the much-anticipated decision.

Following the rejection of Darshan and Pavithra Gowda’s bail, Darshan’s legal team is expected to file an appeal in the High Court.

Background of the Case

Actor Darshan, initially housed in Parappana Agrahara jail, was shifted to Ballari prison following allegations that he was being given special treatment. Senior advocate C.V. Nagesh represented Darshan, while S.P.P. Prasanna Kumar argued for the prosecution. Pavithra Gowda was defended by Tommy Sebastian.

Chargesheet Details

The investigation, led by ACP Chandan, resulted in a 3,991-page chargesheet submitted to the 24th ACMM Court in Bengaluru on September 4. Darshan’s legal team filed for bail on September 21. The chargesheet includes multiple pieces of evidence against the accused, with three direct witnesses and reports from forensic labs (FSL and CFSL). It also records statements from 27 people under Section 164 and 70 people under Section 161, along with evidence from government officials like doctors and a Tehsildar.

Courtroom Arguments

Darshan’s lawyer, Nagesh, argued for bail by highlighting flaws in the chargesheet and inconsistencies in the police investigation. He also questioned the post-mortem report and tower location data, alleging manipulation of technical evidence.

In contrast, the prosecution presented call data records, chats between Darshan and Pavithra Gowda, bloodstain evidence, and other critical details, linking them to the crime.

Darshan’s Arrest and Bail Developments

Darshan, along with 10 others, were arrested on June 11 in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy in Chitradurga. As the investigation unfolded, the total number of arrested individuals reached 18. On September 23, the court granted bail to Karthik (A15), Nikhil (A17), and Keshavamurthy (A16), who were accused of tampering with evidence after the murder.

Case Overview

Renukaswamy was murdered after he posted obscene comments and messages about actress Pavithra Gowda on social media. Angered by this, Renukaswamy was lured from Chitradurga to Bengaluru, where he was assaulted and killed by blunt weapons at a shed belonging to a man named Vinay on the night of June 8. His body was later dumped in a drain, where it was found by local residents the next day.

Further investigations identified the body as Renukaswamy’s, and the police were informed. According to police reports, the four main accused confessed during interrogation that they carried out the murder under Darshan’s instructions.