A session court on Monday formally charged South actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the Renukaswamy murder case. His associate Pavithra Gowda and 15 other individuals were also formally charged.
The charges against the 17 accused include murder and kidnapping. This development clears the path for the trial to commence later this year.
Proceedings in the court were marked by a large crowd of attendees. Presiding Judge I.P. Naik expressed significant displeasure at the congestion.
The judge ordered all lawyers not directly involved in the case to exit the courtroom. He warned that the hearing would be postponed or held behind closed doors if order was not maintained.
After calm was restored, the court began reading the charges. Pavithra Gowda, named as the first accused, was the initial person to be formally charged with murder and kidnapping.
According to the charge sheet, Renukaswamy allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda. He was subsequently abducted and brought to a shed in Bengaluru.
There, he was reportedly attacked, sustaining fatal injuries. The judge stated Renukaswamy was beaten with slippers and a wooden plank.
The prosecution also alleges that Pavithra Gowda assaulted Renukaswamy with a slipper. Darshan is accused of forcing the victim to remove his pants, leading to his death.
Furthermore, the court noted allegations that some of the accused were offered money to take responsibility for the crime.
All 17 accused pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them. The court officially signed the charge sheets following these pleas.
The trial is now set to begin on November 10. Following the session, Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and seven other accused were returned to jail.