Pavithra Gowda’s former husband Sanjay Singh died months ago in Rajasthan, while she remains in custody in the Renukaswamy murder case in Bengaluru
Actress Pavithra Gowda’s former husband Sanjay Singh died months ago in Rajasthan after liver-related complications, according to a report published on August 20, 2026. Gowda remains in judicial custody in the Renukaswamy murder case.
Bengaluru: Actress Pavithra Gowda, who is lodged at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail as Accused No. 1 in the Renukaswamy murder case, has learned of the death of her former husband Sanjay Singh, who reportedly died in Rajasthan several months ago.
According to a report published on August 20, 2026, Sanjay Singh died months ago following liver-related complications. The report said the information about his death had not become public earlier. Singh’s death comes as Pavithra Gowda continues to remain in judicial custody in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.
Pavithra Gowda and Sanjay Singh were married in 2007-08 and have a daughter. The couple later separated because of personal differences and divorced in 2011.
After the divorce, Singh was reported to have gone through depression and developed an addiction to alcohol. In June 2024, when Pavithra Gowda was taken into police custody in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case, Singh came to Bengaluru and appeared before the media in support of his former wife. He returned to Rajasthan later, after which his health reportedly deteriorated and he died.
The information about Singh’s death has emerged while Pavithra Gowda remains in custody. Recent reporting also continues to track developments in the Renukaswamy murder trial, including proceedings involving other accused persons.
Pavithra Gowda in Renukaswamy murder case
Pavithra Gowda is named as Accused No. 1, or A-1, in the Renukaswamy murder case. Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is named as Accused No. 2, or A-2. The police chargesheet, running into 3,991 pages, contains allegations regarding Gowda’s role in the events that preceded Renukaswamy’s death.
The allegations against Gowda remain part of the criminal proceedings and are to be considered in the context of the chargesheet, witness statements and evidence placed before the court. The prosecution case has linked the alleged sequence of events to messages sent to Gowda by Renukaswamy and the subsequent actions of people associated with Darshan.
Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old pharmacy worker from Chitradurga, was allegedly abducted and taken to Bengaluru after messages were sent to Pavithra Gowda. He was later found dead in Bengaluru in June 2024. The case resulted in the arrest of Darshan, Gowda and several others.
Renukaswamy's messages and the alleged provocation
According to the police case, Renukaswamy had used a fake Instagram account under the name “Goutham K.S.” to contact Pavithra Gowda. He allegedly sent obscene messages, insults and lewd photographs to her.
Police investigations into the case stated that Renukaswamy had been sending messages to Gowda in connection with her relationship with Darshan. Reports have stated that Renukaswamy was upset over Gowda’s public association with the actor and believed that the relationship was affecting Darshan’s marriage.
Instead of taking the messages directly to law enforcement, the police case stated that the messages were brought to the attention of Gowda’s manager Pavan, who subsequently informed Darshan.
The investigation alleged that Pavan used Gowda’s phone and posed as her while communicating with Renukaswamy. Through the conversation, he allegedly obtained information that helped identify Renukaswamy’s mobile number and location.
The chargesheet and statements of co-accused persons have further alleged that Gowda encouraged or instigated Darshan and members of his fan club to take action against Renukaswamy.
These allegations form part of the prosecution case and are subject to judicial examination during the trial.
Alleged abduction and presence in Bengaluru
According to the investigation, a fan-club president associated with Darshan traced Renukaswamy to Chitradurga. He was allegedly abducted and taken more than 200 kilometres to a shed in Pattanagere, Bengaluru.
The prosecution has alleged that Renukaswamy was held at the shed, where he was assaulted before his death. The case records and subsequent court proceedings have examined the alleged roles of Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and the other accused persons in the events at the location.
The prosecution has also alleged that Pavithra Gowda was present at the shed where Renukaswamy was being held.
Gowda has maintained that she did not physically assault Renukaswamy. However, statements attributed to co-accused persons in the chargesheet have alleged that she was present during the assault and encouraged the actions of the other accused.
Recent proceedings have also brought renewed attention to statements by co-accused persons. In August 2026, accused Pradosh Rao sought to become an approver and offered to make what he described as a full and truthful disclosure concerning the alleged murder, disposal of evidence and roles of the accused. The Bengaluru court considered the application, while Darshan’s side opposed the move.
Forensic evidence cited in Renukaswamy case
According to the prosecution material cited in reports on the case, forensic examination found Renukaswamy’s blood stains on Pavithra Gowda’s slippers. The forensic evidence was cited by investigators as part of the material connecting her to the crime scene.
Police also examined digital evidence, including messages, telephone calls and location-related records. The investigation alleged that these records established links between communications involving Gowda’s device and the events surrounding Renukaswamy’s alleged abduction.
The evidence and witness statements form part of the prosecution case that is being examined by the trial court.
Supreme Court cancelled Pavithra Gowda’s bail
Pavithra Gowda’s custody in the case followed a Supreme Court order in August 2025 that cancelled the bail granted to her, Darshan and five other accused by the Karnataka High Court.
The Supreme Court set aside the Karnataka High Court’s December 2024 bail order and directed that the accused be taken back into custody. The court also cautioned authorities against providing special treatment to the accused while in jail.
Pavithra Gowda was subsequently taken back into judicial custody on August 14, 2025. A later bail petition filed before the sessions court was dismissed in September 2025.
In November 2025, the Supreme Court also dismissed Gowda’s review petition seeking reconsideration of its August 2025 decision cancelling her bail.
The legal proceedings have continued in 2026. On August 18, the Karnataka High Court dealt with a petition concerning the prosecution’s request to cross-examine the mother of Renukaswamy, while the broader criminal trial continues.
The latest report regarding Sanjay Singh’s death has therefore emerged while Pavithra Gowda remains in custody and the Renukaswamy murder case continues before the courts.
