Bengaluru: The court hearing the high-profile fan murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan has announced that charges will be framed against him, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and other accused on October 31.

The order came after the court considered the prosecution’s claim that Darshan’s legal team was attempting to delay the process. The court also instructed both the defence and prosecution to cooperate to ensure a swift trial and timely examination of witnesses.

Once the charges are framed, the trial will begin with witness examination, followed by the final verdict after all testimonies are heard.

What did the court say about Darshan’s prison requests?

During the hearing, the court addressed Darshan’s plea seeking additional facilities inside Bengaluru Central Prison. His request for an extra bed and pillow was rejected. However, the court instructed jail officials to provide him with a blanket and fresh clothes once every month.

The judge also stated that it was up to prison authorities to decide whether Darshan should be shifted to another barrack within the facility.

In a separate order, the court dismissed the plea of accused number five, Nandeesh, who had sought to have his name removed from the case.

How did the accused appear before the court?

Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and the remaining accused appeared before the court via video conferencing. Darshan, seen with kumkum on his forehead, stood with folded hands alongside the other accused during the proceedings.

What is the case about?

Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and fifteen others were arrested on June 11, 2024, on charges of kidnapping and murdering Renukaswamy, a fan from Chitradurga.

Police investigations revealed that Renukaswamy had sent abusive and obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, reportedly angered by her continued relationship with Darshan despite his marriage.

Following the murder, Darshan was initially lodged in Bengaluru Central Prison, but was later shifted to Ballari Prison after photographs surfaced showing him allegedly receiving special treatment.

The police submitted a 3,991-page chargesheet on September 4, 2024, along with an additional report.

Darshan had been released from prison on October 30, 2024, after spending 131 days in custody. However, he and the other accused were rearrested when the Supreme Court cancelled their bail following an appeal by the Karnataka Police.

What led to the crime?

According to investigators, Pavithra Gowda, known to be Darshan’s long-time companion, had strained relations with Vijayalaxmi, Darshan’s wife. Sources close to the actor claimed that Pavithra often competed with Vijayalaxmi over jewellery and luxury cars and allegedly wanted Darshan to appear publicly with her instead of his wife.

The rivalry between the two women extended to social media, where both reportedly exchanged heated posts, leading fans to take sides.

Renukaswamy, who supported Vijayalaxmi, is said to have sent vulgar messages and images to Pavithra Gowda. Police believe that this act provoked the chain of events that led to his brutal killing.

IANS inputs