In a shocking turn of events, popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has been arrested in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, whose body was discovered in a drain in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Darshan, celebrated by his fans as the ‘Challenging Star’, was apprehended from his Mysuru farmhouse on Tuesday. Alongside him, his co-star and girlfriend Pavithra Gowda and 11 associates have also been taken into custody.
Pavithra Gowda has been identified as the primary accused, with Darshan named the second accused in the case. Here are five chilling details from the murder investigation:
- Triggering Incident: Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, allegedly made inappropriate comments on Pavithra Gowda’s social media posts. This provoked Pavithra to incite Darshan to take punitive action against him, as reported by the media.
- Hired Help: Darshan enlisted the help of Raghavendra, also known as Raghu, the convenor of his fan club in Chitradurga, to track down Renukaswamy. The victim’s wife claimed that Raghu was the one who picked him up from near their house.
- Gruesome Assault: Renukaswamy was reportedly kidnapped and taken to a shed in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya. There, Darshan allegedly beat him with a belt, while his aides used sticks, causing severe injuries and multiple bone fractures, according to the PTI report.
- Body Disposal: The victim’s body was dumped in a stormwater drain. It was discovered by a food delivery executive who noticed dogs gnawing on it and promptly informed the authorities.
- Lack of Cooperation: The Karnataka Police have reported that Darshan and Pavithra Gowda are not cooperating with the investigation and are concealing facts. A search is also underway for four other suspects involved in the case, according to media reports.
The arrest of Darshan has left his fans in shock and disbelief. Crowds have been gathering outside police stations where the actor is being interrogated, leading the police to resort to lathicharge to control the situation.
Karnataka’s Home Minister, G Parameshwara, has stated that the police have been given full authority to act against Darshan and the other accused in accordance with the law.
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The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) President, N M Suresh, has mentioned that the organization will consider taking action against Darshan after discussing the matter with the artists’ union, likely after the charge-sheet is filed.
This high-profile case has not only shaken the Kannada film industry but also highlighted serious issues of violence and vigilantism. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the crime and ensuring justice for Renukaswamy.
