Overview
- The 64th Sessions Court in Bengaluru formally charged Darshan Thoogudeepa, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others with murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and unlawful assembly in the Renukaswamy case.
- Pavithra Gowda is identified in prosecution filings as the main conspirator, and each of the 17 accused entered not-guilty pleas.
- The court record reflects allegations that Gowda struck the victim with a slipper and that Darshan assaulted his private parts, and it noted claims that some accused were offered money to falsely take the blame.
- Judge I.P. Naik objected to overcrowding in the packed courtroom and warned the session could be postponed or held in camera if order was not maintained.
- The charging followed an adjournment from October 31 granted at the defense’s request to explain procedure to the accused, with police attributing the motive to abusive messages sent to Gowda during a public feud.