A sessions court in Karnataka’s Bengaluru on Monday trashed Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s plea seeking approval to appear physically during the trial in the Renukaswamy murder case, which dates back to 2024, ordering that he continue to participate in proceedings by means of video conferencing. Sessions Judge Sujatha M Sambhrani pronounced the verdict after hearing arguments from both the defence, as well as the prosecution. 

Hashmath Pasha, appearing on behalf of the actor, had sought permission for the former to be physically present in the court, particularly before the cross-examination of witnesses. He argued that the actor’s physical presence in the court would allow it to obtain information directly from him.

However, the court declined the request and ordered that Darshan may continue to be produced via video conferencing for the proceedings. 

Court directs jail to facilitate meetings with lawyer

While junking Darshan’s plea, the court ordered the prison authorities to ensure that the actor and other accused have adequate opportunities to consult their lawyers while preparing their defence. 

The judge specifically directed the jail officials to facilitate confidential meetings between the accused and their legal representatives. Furthermore, it also asked the authorities to ensure uninterrupted audio and video quality during virtual hearings. The Registrar of the City Civil Court was asked to monitor the arrangements and take the necessary steps to prevent technical glitches during proceedings. 

Meanwhile, the court is likely to consider the application of one of the accused, Pradosh, seeking to turn approver in the case. Besides this, a date for recording his statement is also expected to be declared soon. 

Murder case unfolded in June 2024

The high-profile case dates back to June 2024, and pertains to the alleged murder of a pharmacy employee aged 33, named Renukaswamy, hailed from Chitradurga district. 

As per police probe, Renukaswamy had allegedly posted derogatory messages on social media targeting Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, who has been termed a close associate of Darshan. 

Police alleged that Renukaswamy was lured to Bengaluru on the pretext of meeting Darshan, after which, he was taken to a vehicle shed in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. The cops added that he was assaulted there by Darshan, Pavithra and several of their accomplices. 

According to investigating police personnel, he was beaten with belts, sticks, iron rods and wooden clubs, owing to which he sustained multiple fractures and succumbed to his injuries later. 

Cops allege attempt to cover up murder

Furthermore, the police alleged that post-murder, some of the accused tried to conceal the crime by crafting a false narrative and arranging for other people to assume accountability for the murder in lieu of money. 

More than 15 people, including Darshan and Pavithra, were arrested during the course of the police probe. At present, the trial is underway before the Bengaluru sessions court.