Renukaswamy Murder case: HC defers hearing on Pavithra Gowda’s bail plea

Team Udayavani, Dec 3, 2024, 5:03 PM IST

In the ongoing Renukaswamy Murder Case, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, December 3, heard bail pleas filed by accused Darshan and his associates. Senior advocate Tommy Sebastian represented Pavithra Gowda, while Arun Shyam argued on behalf of driver Lakshman.

According to arguments presented in court, Darshan and Pavithra Gowda were reportedly in a live-in relationship. Advocate Sebastian contended that Pavithra was distressed by obscene messages sent by Renukaswamy. It was alleged that Pavithra had obtained Renukaswamy’s contact number in April and that co-accused Pavan had been sending messages to him under Pavithra’s name since June.

The defense claimed that Pavithra and Darshan confronted Renukaswamy only once at a shed, during which Pavithra reportedly hit him with her footwear, following which Renukaswamy was taken home. The defense argued that there was no evidence to support allegations of abduction or forceful assault.

The defense highlighted that Pavithra is a woman with no prior criminal record and is also the mother of a ninth-grade daughter, making her deserving of bail. It was further argued that in many cases, women accused of serious crimes have been granted bail.

The court was informed that the case rests on testimonies from two witnesses: one direct witness, Puneeth, and another supplementary witness.

After hearing the arguments, the High Court deferred the case to December 6 for further proceedings. Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar was directed to present arguments on behalf of the police on the next hearing date.