Kannada actor Darshan, his associate Pavitra Gowda, and 15 other accused have been formally charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful assembly in connection with the death of 33-year-old
Renukaswamy.
All 17 pleaded not guilty, and the trial is scheduled to begin on November 10.
The hearing on Monday took place at Bengaluru’s 64th Sessions Court. The proceedings were delayed initially due to an overcrowded courtroom, prompting Judge IP Naik to ask unrelated lawyers to step out, India Today reported.
“How can charges be framed with so many people here?” he remarked, warning that the case might have to continue in-camera if the disorder persisted.
Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga and a fan of Darshan, was found dead near a storm-water drain in Bengaluru on June last year. Reports indicate that he had sent offensive messages to Pavitra Gowda, which allegedly triggered his abduction, assault, and eventual death.
According to the charges read out in court, Renukaswamy was kidnapped and taken to a shed in Bengaluru, where he was beaten with slippers and a wooden plank.
Pavitra Gowda allegedly struck him with a slipper, while Darshan is accused of removing his pants and assaulting his private parts. The court also noted that some accused were reportedly offered money to falsely accept blame for the crime.
Following the reading of charges, all 17 accused denied the allegations. After completing the formalities to frame the charges, Darshan, Pavitra Gowda, and seven others were returned to jail.
