Wed Dec 17 14:30:50 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kannada Actor Darshan’s Murder Trial Begins in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, December 17, 2025 – The trial of Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and 16 others accused in the Renukaswamy murder case commenced today in Bengaluru’s 57th CCH Court. Darshan, along with his friend Pavitra Gowda and the other accused, attended the proceedings via video conference from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison.
The prosecution’s examination of Renukaswamy’s parents, Kashinathaiah and Rathna Prabha, formed the core of today’s session. Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar led the examination, with the parents identifying their son’s clothing and detailing the injuries sustained. Notably, they also identified Renukaswamy’s engagement ring, inscribed with “RS,” representing Renukaswamy and his daughter-in-law, Sahana.
Advocate Balan, representing Pavitra Gowda, cross-examined Kashinathaiah, with the session adjourned midway through Rathna Prabha’s cross-examination until Thursday.
Renukaswamy, 33, was allegedly abducted from Chitradurga in June 2024 and murdered in a shed in Pattanagere, west Bengaluru. His body was discovered near a storm water drain on June 9, 2024, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of Darshan, Pavitra, and the other accused after an initial false surrender attempt.
The trial is expected to continue tomorrow.
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