Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 25: Kannada superstar Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and 15 other individuals accused in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case appeared before a Bengaluru local court on Tuesday in line with their bail conditions. However, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when several of the accused claimed they were being "pressured" by the police to become approvers in the case.
Advocate Sunil, representing the other accused, informed the court that the police had been putting undue pressure on his clients to turn approvers. "The case should be fought on merit by the police, there should not be pressure," he argued, requesting that the court take note of the allegations.
Judge Jai Shankar responded by clarifying that the court's consent was required for any of the accused to be granted approver status. The court further stated that if a formal petition was filed regarding this matter, it could be addressed. The matter was adjourned to April 8 for further hearing.
Darshan, Pavithra, and the 15 others were arrested on June 11, 2024, following charges of kidnapping and the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, a fan from Chitradurga.
Police allege that Renukaswamy sent derogatory and obscene messages to Pavithra after learning about her relationship with Darshan, despite his marriage to Vijayalakshmi. This situation created a rift between Pavithra and Vijayalakshmi, leading to public spats on social media, with Darshan’s fans taking sides.
Renukaswamy reportedly supported Vijayalakshmi, criticising Pavithra, which police believe ultimately led to his murder. Sources close to Darshan also revealed that Pavithra had been competing with Vijayalakshmi over jewellery and luxury cars, and had pressured Darshan to appear publicly with her. This tension fuelled further drama, with the fan’s actions reportedly contributing to the fatal conflict.
Darshan was released from prison on October 30, 2024, after spending 131 days in custody. His release followed a lengthy legal process, but the Karnataka Police have since challenged the bail in the Supreme Court. On January 24, 2025, the Apex Court issued a notice to Darshan, Pavithra, and five other accused individuals in response to an appeal by the Karnataka government. The court directed the accused to file their responses within four weeks.
In the meantime, the court also mandated that Darshan and the other accused appear before it every month as a condition of their bail. The outcome of the Supreme Court appeal could have significant implications for the case as it progresses.