Darshan Case: Bengaluru Police File 3,991-Page Charge Sheet Against 17 in Renukaswamy Murder
Bengaluru, EXPRESS News: In a significant development, the Bengaluru police have filed a comprehensive charge sheet in the murder case of Renukaswamy, implicating Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his associate Pavitra Gowda. The charge sheet, spanning 3,991 pages, was submitted to the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Court on Wednesday, detailing the involvement of 17 accused individuals.
The investigation, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Chandan, uncovered a vast array of evidence pointing to the involvement of the accused. The charge sheet comprises seven volumes and ten files, containing 731 pieces of evidence, including both circumstantial and technical evidence. Among the evidence are phone call details, forensic science reports, and circumstantial pieces that paint a grim picture of the crime.
Key findings include bloodstains on the clothes of Darshan and other accused, a photograph showing the victim, Renukaswamy, pleading for mercy, and CCTV footage capturing Darshan at the crime scene. Notably, bloodstains were also found on actor Pavithra Gowda’s footwear, which she allegedly used to assault Renukaswamy.
The charge sheet also notes the brutality of the crime, as revealed in the postmortem report. Renukaswamy suffered multiple injuries, including bruises, a missing ear, ruptured testicles, and signs of electric shock. The police believe that the assault was particularly vicious, with evidence suggesting that Renukaswamy was tortured before his death.
Three eyewitnesses have come forward in the case, and the police have enlisted the testimony of 59 individuals for the panchanama (legal documentation of evidence). While the forensic science laboratory (FSL) has came and Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) reports are pending, the police have sought the advice of experts for a fast-track trial. Further investigation under Section 173(8) of the Criminal Procedure Code is expected.
Darshan, Pavitra Gowda, and the other accused are currently in police custody as the investigation continues. The case has garnered widespread attention due to the involvement of high-profile individuals, and the Bengaluru police are under pressure to ensure a thorough and swift resolution.
As the legal proceedings advance, all eyes will be on the court’s next steps in this high-profile murder case.
