Murder case: Renukaswamy’s parents testify, Pavitra granted TV in barrack

Bengaluru: Special public prosecutor Prasanna Kumar P conducted the examination-in-chief (direct questioning) of the parents of murder victim Renukaswamy— father Kashinatha Shivanagowdra and mother Rathnaprabha — in CCH 57 court Wednesday.

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his girlfriend Pavitra Gowda and their associates are the main accused in the 2024 murder case.

Renukaswamy's parents told the court that their son left home at 8am on June 8, 2024, for work at Apollo Pharmacy. He usually returned home for lunch, but he called them around 2pm on that day and said he was going out for lunch with his four friends.


He did not return home in the evening, and his mobile phone was switched off. He did not return home on June 9 and 10. On the evening of June 10, Kamakshipalya police informed them that a body had been found in Bengaluru and asked them to visit Victoria Hospital to identify it. They came to Bengaluru on June 11 and identified their son's body. They told the court that his body was full of injuries, including burns, and his face was disfigured. They added that the gold chain and ring recovered from accused number 4 were shown to them by police in Chitradurga, and their statements were recorded on June 14.

Senior advocate S. Balan, representing Pavitra Gowda, the first accused, conducted the cross-examination of both prosecution witnesses, which was adjourned to Thursday. Following her cross-examination, the lawyers for Darshan Thoogudeepa and the other accused will examine Renukaswamy's parents.

Due to large crowds, the court held in-camera proceedings until the afternoon, with the accused produced via video conferencing. After lunch, other advocates were permitted to attend the trial.

Pavitra also requested a television in her barrack, and the court directed prison officials to provide one.