Karnataka Police have filed a voluminous 3,991-page preliminary charge sheet in the high-profile fan murder case in which Kannada superstar Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda along with 15 others were accused. The charge sheet was filed before the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Bengaluru, on Wednesday. The charge sheet, led by Additional Commissioner of Police Chandan Kumar, was carried in a carton box from their vehicle into the court. No official word has emerged from the police yet.
The charge sheet, a seven-volume book with 10 files, contains the reports of the FSL. Sources said Pavithra Gowda is named as the first accused while Darshan is listed as the second. The charge sheet names three eyewitnesses while mentioning 231 witnesses comprising more than 50 police officers, eight doctors and 97 others. As many as 27 persons have recorded their statements under Section 164 CrPC before the court.
The charge sheet filed before the court stated that Pavithra Gowda, being the prime conspirator behind the murder, her role and presence at the crime spot were confirmed through CCTV footage and mobile data. The trial part will be started before the court very soon after completing the formalities regarding the submission of a charge sheet. With this submission, a bail petition is expected to be filed by Darshan's legal team, while Pavithra Gowda, whose earlier bail plea was rejected, may file another bail application.
The police charge sheet catalogues the roles of Darshan and Gowda in conspiracy, kidnapping, torture, murder, destruction of evidence, and attempts to mislead the authorities. Renukaswamy, the victim, was allegedly murdered after sending offensive messages to Pavithra Gowda. Statements by an accused who turned approver are part of the charge sheet detailing the commission of the crime and the role of Darshan and others.
The investigating agency established the presence of the accused at the place of occurrence with their movements captured on CCTV cameras and call details. Forensic evidence has confirmed the presence of bloodstains on the clothes of Darshan. The police recovered messages and photographs exchanged between the accused, which proved their role in the crime.
The charge sheet also details how Darshan tried to cover up the crime by persuading four associates to surrender before the police. Sources in Ballary jail, where Darshan is lodged, said he has been under tremendous stress and has been seen wandering and reciting prayers.
While Darshan and others' judicial custody has been extended to September 9, three more FIRs have been filed against Darshan on the basis of receiving luxury treatment in Bengaluru Central Prison. The controversy reached its height after a photo of Darshan with a rowdy sheeter, Wilson Garden Naga, was in circulation allegedly to threaten witnesses. As many as nine officers including two jailers were suspended and three FIRs registered in this regard.
A fan of Darshan, Renukaswamy, was hacked to death by the followers of the latter in Bengaluru on June 8. The victim was kidnapped, tortured, and killed. Following the murder, his body was dragged into bits by dogs.
Read also| Rajasthan Education Minister Asserts Maharana Pratap 'Never Surrendered'
