Renukaswamy murder: Kannada actors Darshan, Pavithra Gowda among 17 charged
The Bengaluru police have filed a chargesheet against 17 people, including Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his friend Pavithra Gowda, in the Renukaswamy murder case. The chargesheet was submitted before the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) on Wednesday. The accused are currently lodged in various prisons across Karnataka. The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a high-profile celebrity like Darshan.
Gowda named Accused No. 1; Thoogudeepa Accused No. 2
According to police sources, Pavithra has been named as Accused No. 1 and Thoogudeepa as Accused No. 2 in the Renukaswamy murder case. The police recorded the statements of three eyewitnesses, 27 people under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and eight government officers totalling 231 witnesses. The chargesheet includes over 200 crucial pieces of evidence that will strengthen the case.
The rumored couple was arrested in June
On June 11, Thoogudeepa was arrested with his rumored girlfriend Gowda and 11 others in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy—a resident of Chitradurga. According to the police, Renukaswamy was murdered as he had allegedly sent abusive messages and photos to Gowda on Instagram. The police later arrested others in the murder case and so far, 17 arrests have reportedly been made. The charges against Thoogudeepa and the other accused are severe—with potential life sentences if convicted.
Renukaswamy's DNA found on suspects' clothes
A police officer said Renukaswamy's DNA has been found on the clothes of some of the suspects, including Gowda, which is major evidence. The postmortem report allegedly confirmed the victim died due to shock and haemorrhage as a result of multiple blunt injuries. Belongings, including clothes, footwear, and leather items, of the six accused at the time of the incident were also recovered from their respective houses after their arrest.
Thoogudeepa shifted to Ballari prison after photo goes viral
After a photo of Thoogudeepa smoking cigarettes with gangster Nagaraj J alias Wilson Garden Naga, Srinivas alias Kulla Seena, and others inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru went viral on social media, nine prison officials were suspended. A video of the actor on a video call with a man named Sathya using a mobile phone—which is banned inside prisons—also went viral. Later, Thoogudeepa was shifted to the Central Prison in Ballari.
