Renukaswamy Murder Case: 'Watertight' Chargesheet Filed Against Darshan, Other Accused

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Police has filed a comprehensive chargesheet on Wednesday against 17 accused, including Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, in the Renukaswamy murder case. The chargesheet, totaling 3991 pages across seven volumes and ten files, has been submitted to the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda described the chargesheet as "watertight," detailing extensive investigations that involved 231 witness statements and various forms of technical and electronic evidence. Among the evidence are 56 police officers as witnesses, three direct eye-witnesses, and statements recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure from 97 individuals.

The forensic evidence includes reports from both the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Hyderabad. Key findings from the autopsy report reveal severe injuries, including multiple fractures, brain bleeding, and a cause of death attributed to severe bleeding in the brain. The FSL report identifies Renukaswamy’s blood on the clothes of several accused and on items used during the crime.

Accused individuals with blood stains on their clothing include Pavithra Gowda, Darshan, and other associates. Blood stains were also found on various items, including lathis, sticks, and the car used to transport Renukaswamy’s body.

The case traces back to June 9, when Renukaswamy’s body was discovered near a stormwater drain. Reports suggest that a confrontation between Renukaswamy and the accused, triggered by inappropriate messages sent to Gowda, led to the murder. The investigation indicates that Gowda played a central role in instigating and participating in the crime.

The 17 accused are currently in judicial custody across different prisons in the state. The chargesheet supports the case against them based on a combination of direct evidence, forensic analysis, and witness testimonies. Further investigations are ongoing, with additional reports expected from CFSL.