BENGALURU: Kannada actor Darshan, friend
Pavithra Gowda, and 15 other accused - who have been charged with kidnap and murder in the 2024 Renukaswamy murder - pleaded 'not guilty' before the City Civil and Sessions Court (63) on Monday in the case.
The judge read the charges against them and asked if they accepted the charges. When they replied in the negative, the judge recorded their statement and framed the charges as mentioned in the chargesheet. The court posted the next hearing for Nov 10, during which it may fix the date for trial.
Based on the court's direction, prison officials produced all 17 accused in the court hall. They were brought under tight security. The court proceedings began around 2.30pm.
The proceedings were preceded by high drama when the judge, on seeing the hall full of advocates and others, asked the latter to leave and make space for the accused persons, allowing only the advocates representing the accused to stay back.
However, most did not leave the court hall. The judge started hearing other cases and directed the police to clear the crowd. The police sent the advocates out. Later, Judge IP Naik read the charges.
Hundreds of fans of Darshan gathered at the court premises. When the actor was walking to the prison department bus from the court, the crowd cheered him as 'D Boss'. He acknowledged them with a smile and salute. A few fans tried to get close to him, but the police stopped them. All 17 accused were taken back to the Bengaluru Central Prison.
During the next hearing, the prosecution has to provide the list of witnesses to the court and the advocates representing the accused. The prosecution should also provide details of whom they are going to call first and the dates of appearance for others.