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State vs. alleged perpetrators — Dharmasthala rape and murder cases

Following a Supreme Court order on 24 September 2026 for a de novo investigation into the 2012 rape and murder of 17-year-old Soujanya and alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala, a new SIT has unearthed seven sets of human remains. As part of this ongoing probe, the SIT has collected forensic samples and summoned 15 police officers for questioning on 30 October 2026. The Karnataka State Women’s Commission is seeking an expanded mandate for the SIT to address discovered discrepancies in unnatural death reports.

State of Karnataka vs Actor Darshan and others — Renukaswamy Murder Case

Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and several co-accused are facing murder and conspiracy charges regarding the death of Renukaswamy in a Bengaluru sessions court. Following the Supreme Court's refusal of bail on 15 May 2026, the trial continues with ongoing proceedings concerning approver status and evidence, while a departmental inquiry into a sub-inspector for potential evidence fabrication was initiated as reported on 10 October 2026. On 23 October 2026, the court denied bail to co-accused Anukumar and Jagadish and rejected Pavithra Gowda's request to be moved to a different prison cell.

State of Karnataka vs. Unnamed Accused (Father of minor driver)

The Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition to quash culpable homicide charges against Nadeem ur Rehman, a 51-year-old from Mysuru, for allegedly allowing his minor son to drive a vehicle involved in a 2020 fatal crash. As reported on 22 October 2026, the court ruled that the trial must proceed to determine his liability, while clarifying that a minor's knowledge cannot be automatically attributed to a parent solely based on their relationship.

State vs. Father of minor — Mysuru fatal car accident case

The Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition filed by a Mysuru resident seeking to quash criminal proceedings against him. The case stems from an incident where his 14-year-old son, who was driving a car, caused an accident that resulted in the death of three people. The court rejected the plea to drop the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Mob-lynching case — Karnataka victim compensation scheme

Following the April 2025 lynching of 35-year-old Mohammed Ashraf in Mangaluru, the Karnataka High Court dismissed petitions to cancel bail for 20 of the 21 accused on 24 August 2026. On 27 August 2026, the court further directed the state government to frame an interim compensation scheme for victims and their next of kin within 30 days and ordered the establishment of DSP-led task forces in every district to address mob violence.

State vs Mohan Nayak N — Gauri Lankesh murder case

Mohan Nayak N, an accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, faces charges under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act after the Supreme Court restored them in October 2021. As reported on 8 December 2023, the Karnataka High Court granted him regular bail, and the Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging this release on 21 August 2024.

State of Karnataka vs B.A. Umesh alias Umesh Reddy

B.A. Umesh alias Umesh Reddy is a serial killer convicted for rape and murder who has faced multiple legal challenges regarding his death sentence and solitary confinement. The Supreme Court of India ruled on 4 November 2022 that his decade-long solitary confinement was illegal due to the resulting mental trauma. Most recently, the Karnataka High Court rejected his petition concerning ongoing legal challenges to his conviction and sentencing as reported on 27 February 2024.

State vs Ravi Pujari

Alleged underworld don Ravi Pujari was extradited from Senegal to India in 2020 to face over 100 cases, including murder and extortion. In July 2023, he petitioned the Karnataka High Court to expedite his trial and challenged the legality of being tried for cases not specified in his extradition order. The matter remains pending before the Karnataka High Court as of 28 July 2023.