Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 1: The 57th CCH court in Bengaluru has postponed to November 3 the framing of charges against Kannada actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and other accused in the sensational Renukaswamy murder case of Chitradurga.
The matter came up for hearing on Friday, during which the court heard arguments from Darshan’s counsel and subsequently deferred the proceedings to the new date.
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and six co-accused were produced before the court via video conference. Following the hearing, the court directed that all accused must be present in person on the day the charges are framed.
Darshan’s advocate Sunil informed the court that his client had not yet issued specific instructions, and requested permission for Darshan’s personal appearance while seeking two weeks’ time before the charges are framed.
Responding to the plea, the presiding judge instructed the defence counsel to visit the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison to meet the accused and convey necessary legal instructions. The judge also directed prison authorities to allow the lawyer to meet Darshan and the other accused.
At this stage of the trial, the court reads out the police charges to the accused, who are then asked whether they plead guilty or not. If the accused admit to the charges, the court may pronounce the sentence immediately. If they deny the charges, the case proceeds to the examination of witnesses and full trial.
The case pertains to the murder of Renukaswamy from Chitradurga, in which actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and several others were arrested on June 11, 2024. Later, on December 13, 2024, the Karnataka high court granted bail to Darshan and six other accused.
However, the state government challenged the bail order before the Supreme Court, which on August 14, 2025, revoked the bail granted by the high court.
At present, Darshan and the other six accused remain lodged at the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, awaiting the next hearing on November 3, when the court is expected to formally frame charges in the case.