The Renukaswamy murder trial will begin on Wednesday in Bengaluru, said Special Public Prosecutor P. Prasanna Kumar. Summons have been sent to Renukaswamy’s parents, who will be the first to testify. On November 3, a court framed charges against Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his friend Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others in the case. Renukaswamy, 33, worked at a medical store in Chitradurga. He was allegedly kidnapped by associates of actor Darshan for sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda. Police say Renukaswamy was taken to a shed in Bengaluru where Darshan, Pavithra, and others beat him to death. His body was later dumped in a storm water drain to hide the crime, as described in the 3,991-page charge sheet filed on September 3, 2024. Pavithra is named Accused No. 1 and Darshan as Accused No. 2. The charge sheet outlines each accused’s role. A supplementary charge sheet followed. Renukaswamy’s mutilated body was found near a storm water drain in west Bengaluru on June 9, 2024. The next day, four people confessed to the crime at a police station. Later investigations pointed to actor Darshan and Pavithra Gowda. The 17 accused face charges under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 359 (kidnapping), 120(b) (criminal conspiracy), and 204 (attempt to destroy evidence) among others.