Charges have been formally framed against Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his associate Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy. The proceedings took place in a Bengaluru Sessions Court on November 3, where all 17 accused pleaded not guilty. The trial is set to begin on November 10.

The courtroom was crowded during the hearing, prompting Judge I P Naik to express concern over the number of people present. He instructed those not involved in the case to leave, warning that the hearing could be postponed or conducted in-camera if order was not maintained.

The charges against the accused include murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful assembly. According to the charge sheet, Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old from Chitradurga, was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted after sending inappropriate messages to Pavithra. The prosecution claims he was beaten with slippers and a wooden plank, leading to fatal injuries. The judge noted that Pavithra allegedly struck Renukaswamy with a slipper, while Darshan was accused of further assaulting him.

Renukaswamy's body was discovered near a stormwater drain in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru, on June 9, 2024. Following the murder, police arrested Darshan, Pavithra, and several others. The police charge sheet, which spans 3,991 pages, details the events leading to the murder and the roles of each accused.

After the charges were read, the accused signed the charge documents before being taken back to Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, where they remain in judicial custody. The next hearing is scheduled for November 10, marking the start of the trial.