Actress Pavithra Gowda, the prime accused (A1) in the sensational Renukaswamy murder case, suffered a major setback on Tuesday after a city sessions court rejected her fresh bail application.
The 64th Sessions Court, presided over by Judge I P Naik, delivered the order after reserving it following detailed arguments. Pavithra’s counsel, Advocate Balan, had urged the court to grant her bail citing personal and professional reasons, but the court was not convinced.
This is the second major blow for the actress after the Supreme Court recently revoked the bail granted to her and six other accused, including popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and Pradosh. Acting on a plea filed by the police, the apex court held that their release at that stage could hamper the investigation.
Following the Supreme Court’s intervention, Pavithra Gowda was arrested from her residence on August 14 and has since been lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. She had earlier secured bail, during which she spent time with her family and managed her business and temple-related activities.
According to police investigations, the victim, Renukaswamy, a fan of actor Darshan, had allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, a close friend of the actor. The messages enraged Darshan, who, along with others, allegedly plotted to kill Renukaswamy.
On June 9, Renukaswamy’s body was found dumped near a storm-water drain next to an apartment complex in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru, triggering public outrage and widespread media coverage. The high-profile nature of the case, involving prominent figures from the Kannada film industry, has kept it in the spotlight.
With the Sessions Court now denying Pavithra Gowda’s fresh bail plea, she will continue to remain in judicial custody as the case proceeds.
