Bengaluru’s 57th CCH Court on Wednesday commenced the trial in the Renukaswamy murder case, in which Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his friend Pavitra Gowda are among the 17 accused.
The proceedings began with the chief examination of Renukaswamy’s father, Kashinathaiah, and mother, Rathna Prabha. Prasanna Kumar, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) appearing for the prosecution, conducted the examination from 11 a.m.
Darshan, Pavitra, and the other accused, who are currently lodged at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, attended the trial proceedings via video conference. Advocate Balan appeared for Pavitra and cross-examined the parents of the deceased.
During the examination, Renukaswamy’s parents identified the clothes he was wearing when he left home prior to the murder, as well as the clothes on his body when it was found. They also described the nature of the injuries on Renukaswamy’s body. In addition, they identified Renukaswamy’s engagement ring bearing the inscription “RS”. The parents told the court that “R” stood for their son’s name, Renukaswamy, and “S” for Sahana, their daughter-in-law.
Following the chief examination, the defence advocate cross-examined Kashinathaiah. Midway through the cross-examination of Rathna Prabha, the court adjourned the matter to Thursday. The proceedings lasted for three hours.
Renukaswamy, aged 33, was allegedly abducted from Chitradurga and murdered at a shed in Pattanagere in west Bengaluru in June 2024. His maimed body was found near a storm water drain in Sumanahalli by security guards of an apartment complex on June 9, 2024.
Initially, four persons falsely surrendered before the Kamakshipalya police. However, the police investigation unravelled a different and orchestrated murder. Subsequent investigations led the police to arrest Darshan, Pavitra, and the other accused.
Published – December 17, 2025 08:00 pm IST
