Arrest of actor Darshan: Chilling details of murder emerge

BENGALURU: Renukaswamy was allegedly beaten up with a belt, sticks and then thrown against a wall resulting in his death, as chilling details of his murder emerged during investigation into the case by police Leading Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his close friend Pavithra Gowda and 11 of his associates were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the murder.

Renukaswamy, a resident of district headquarters town of Chitradurga, a fan of the 47-year-old actor, had allegedly commented on the social media account of Gowda, a small-time actress, accusing her of creating a rift between the actor and his wife. He had also allegedly used “indecent language” and posted offensive messages, according to police sources.

Darshan, key accused Gowda and other accused were on Wednesday taken to Pattanagere here, where the crime was committed, for a spot inspection.

According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy drew the wrath of Darshan for making lewd comments against Gowda on her social media posts.

“It was Pavithra who instigated Darshan to punish Renukaswamy.

Accordingly, the plan was hatched,” they claimed. “Darshan engaged the Chitradurga unit of Darshan Fan Club Convenor Raghavendra alias Raghu, who obtained all information about Renukaswamy.”

Renukaswamy’s wife Sahana alleged that Raghavendra picked up her husband on Friday night from near their house in Chitradurga.

The victim was abducted and taken to a shed in Kamakshipalya area in Bengaluru, the sources said.

“Darshan beat up Renukaswamy with a belt. After he fell unconscious, his accomplices thrashed him with sticks. Further, they threw him against a wall, which proved fatal, as he suffered multiple bone fractures” they said, adding, after the killing, his body was dumped in a storm-water drain in Kamakshipalya area of the city.

A food delivery boy who noticed stray dogs eating a human body alerted the police.When the police were pursuing the case, two accused approached Kamakshipalya police and “confessed” to having killed Renukaswamy over a financial dispute.

However, as the investigation progressed, police found out Darshan and Pavithra’s involvement.