The Bengaluru police have recently submitted a detailed charge sheet in the Renukaswamy murder case, naming 17 accused, including popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his friend Pavithra Gowda, according to Bengaluru Police.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda revealed that the 3,991-page charge sheet was presented to the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court. It includes seven volumes and ten files. He stated, “The chargesheet contains 231 witness statements, technical and electronic evidence, and a massive investigation.”
After a thorough investigation from all angles, the police prepared a solid case against the 17 accused, all of whom are now in judicial custody. Among the witnesses, there are three eyewitnesses, 27 witnesses who testified in court, and others who recorded their statements with the police.
Darshan was recently transferred to Bellary Jail after a viral photograph showed him with three others, including a known criminal, at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. Due to allegations of receiving VIP treatment, the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court ordered his transfer. Other accused—Pawan, Raghavendra, and Nandish—will be shifted to Mysore Jail, while Jagdish and Dhanraj will be transferred to Shivamogga and Dharwad Jails, respectively. Actress Pavithra Gowda will remain in Bangalore Jail.
The government has formed three special teams to investigate the VIP treatment scandal. Responding to the controversy, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda stated, “If this person is being given extra privileges, it is wrong. Officers who have facilitated such privileges should be held accountable, and action should be taken against them.”
The Karnataka government previously suspended seven prison officials after a photo of Darshan holding a cup and cigarette in jail went viral. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered Darshan’s immediate transfer, while Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara called the incident a lapse, assuring it wouldn’t happen again.
