As time passes, more names from the Kannada film industry are being linked to the brutal murder of Renukaswamy, an alleged fan of Darshan Thoogudeepa. Was the popular actor instigated by his close friend and small-time actress Pavithra Gowda to torture and punish the victim? Read further to know more.
Renukaswamy murder case (Photo credit: tv9telugu)
New Delhi: Over the years, films have shown actors and actresses joining forces to emerge as saviours of the common man. Cinema is responsible for creating the image of stars as larger-than-life figures, turning them into demigods among audiences.
In India, we have seen viewers worship film celebrities and go to extreme lengths in their favour. However, the recent Renukaswamy murder case has raised questions about this hero glorification culture in the country, making citizens wonder to what extent silver screen heroes and heroines can exploit their positions of power.
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Renukaswamy murder case explained
Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is popularly known as Challenging Star, and 12 of his close associates were taken into custody on Tuesday (June 11, 2024) for killing Renukaswamy. You will be shocked to know that the 33-year-old victim was a fan of the actor.
Renukaswamy hailed from Chitradurga in Karnataka. It is believed that he commented on the social media account of Pavithra Gowda, a small-time actress closely linked to Darshan. Renukaswamy reportedly accused her of creating a rift between the actor and his wife. It is alleged that he used indecent language while posting offensive messages.
According to the news agency PTI, sources claim that one of the accused in the case had brought Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar by saying that Darshan wanted to meet him. What happened next is horrifying enough to send shivers down your spine.
Renukaswamy was said to be tortured and killed in the same shed. His mortal remains were later recovered near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli.
Renukaswamy post-mortem report
The victim was put under extreme torture before his murder. As per a ndtv.com report, Renukaswamy’s autopsy report has revealed that passed away due to shock and haemorrhage. The victim was brutally beaten ahead of the killing as 15 wounds were found on his body.
The reports further mentioned that wooden logs, a leather belt, and a rope were found by the cops at the crime scene. The recovered items were used to cause harm to Renukaswamy. His body had marks on the head, abdomen, chest and other parts. The report also hinted that his head rammed a mini truck that was parked in the shed.
Pavithra instigated Darshan
Police sources stated that the plan for Renukaswamy’s murder was hatched after Pavithra instigated Darshan to punish him. The popular actor reportedly first thrashed Renukaswamy with a belt and, once he fell unconscious, his associates beat him up with sticks.
Renukaswamy suffered multiple bone fractures when he was thrown against a wall. A food delivery boy alerted the police after noticing the body. He saw stray dogs eating Renukaswamy’s remains.
What led to Darshan’s arrest?
As the investigation commenced, two accused approached Kamakshipalya police with a piece of new information about Renukaswamy’s killing. The duo ‘confessed’ to having killed him following a financial dispute. But, the police got to know about Darshan and Pavithra’s involvement as the probe progressed.
It is to be noted that Darshan was arrested, in 2011, by the police. At that time, he was held for allegedly assaulting and threatening his wife. However, Darshan was later released on bail. Later, she withdrew the case against him and the couple subsequently resolved the issue.
CCTV footage emerges
It is believed that enough evidence has been gathered by the investigation team to establish that Darshan was present during the alleged assault on Renukaswamy. With the help of CCTV footage recovered from the scene has also given fresh leads to the cops. The police also took Darshan to his RR Nagar residence on Friday (June 14, 2024) night for spot ‘mahazar’ and reportedly seized certain things, including clothes, from there.
Court extends police custody
A Bengaluru court on Saturday (June 16, 2024) ordered to extend the police custody of Darshan and 12 others by five more days. The accused were produced before the court as their police custody ended on Sunday. The police decided to produce them before Judge Vishwanath C Goudar as the court would be shut on Sundays and Monday, on the occasion Bakrid – a public holiday.
Darshan and others will now continue to be in police custody till Thursday (June 20, 2024). The advocates of the accused requested the court to send them to judicial custody. On the other hand, the investigation team requested the court to extend the police custody to recover the crucial evidence and equipment used to torture the deceased. The 21st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court granted police custody after hearing both sides in the matter.
Comedian Chikkanna’s involvement
The police team probing the highly-discussed Renukaswamy murder case questioned Kannada actor Chikkanna for an hour on Monday (June 12, 2024). It is being said that the police have proposed to make Chikkanna a witness in the case. The role of the popular comedian in the murder case of Renukaswamy is not disclosed yet.
So far, 19 people including leading Darshan have been arrested by the probing agencies. It is believed that Chikkanna was with Darshan on the night of June 8, 2024, when the crime was allegedly committed.
Celebrities from the Kannada film industry on Monday came forward and spoke about actor Darshan’s alleged involvement in the murder case. Upendra and Kiccha Sudeep said that the victim and his family should get their due justice. Upendra, through an X (formerly known as Twitter) post, mentioned that when a public figure is caught in such a brutal case, all videos, documents and proof should be made public. Upendra highlighted that the entire nation is keeping a close eye on the high-profile case and an impartial decision is awaited.
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