Pavithra Gowda Seeks Separate Jail Barrack

Pavithra Gowda, accused number one in the Renukaswamy murder case and partner of jailed actor Darshan, has approached the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court on Thursday seeking permission to be shifted from her present prison barrack to another barrack, citing health concerns. Darshan is named as accused number two in the case.

A petition seeking her transfer to a different barrack was submitted before the court. Her advocate told the court that the present barrack houses around 20 to 30 inmates and has only two toilets, one of which is currently under repair.

The lawyer submitted that Pavithra, who is already suffering from health issues, has developed an infection and allergy due to the conditions in the barrack. The advocate requested that she be shifted back to her earlier barrack, where she was housed before the recent prison raids and subsequent changes in accommodation of inmates.

The court, after considering the petition, said it would pass an order on the request. The order is expected by evening.

Pavithra was reportedly shifted to a barrack accommodating a larger number of inmates after raids were conducted at the prison. Her legal team has now raised concerns over the impact of the barrack conditions on her health.

Last week, Pavithra was unable to participate in the court proceedings through video conference due to illness. The court had subsequently directed the prison authorities to ensure that she received proper medical treatment.

During the latest hearing, her advocate reiterated that Pavithra was already unwell and was now developing an infection and allergy in the present barrack. The lawyer urged the court to consider her health condition and allow her to return to her earlier barrack.

The court is expected to pronounce its decision on the petition later on Thursday.

The high-profile case centres on the June 2024 abduction, torture, and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga, whose body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru after he allegedly sent offensive messages to Darshan’s partner, Pavithra Gowda.

It can also be noted that the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday deferred the process of recording the statement of Pradosh, the 14th accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, who has been treated as an approver in the case.

Pradosh was brought to court by prison authorities for the recording of his statement. However, the proceedings were postponed as the High Court has not yet pronounced its order on a petition filed by actor Darshan in connection with the case.

Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar sought more time from the court, stating that the High Court's order was still awaited. He requested that the process of recording Pradosh's statement be adjourned to September 7.