In a shocking development in the ongoing murder investigation, Kannada actor Darshan Thogudeepa has admitted to assaulting Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan, before his death. This confession, outlined in the chargesheet filed by Bengaluru Police, sheds further light on the gruesome incident that has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry.
The chargesheet details how Darshan, enraged by Renukaswamy’s alleged obscene messages to his wife, Pavithra Gowda, subjected the fan to a brutal attack. Darshan reportedly kicked Renukaswamy multiple times, targeting his neck, chest, and head, and also struck him with a wooden branch. He even instructed Gowda to hit Renukaswamy with her slipper. These revelations come just days after videos of a shirtless Renukaswamy pleading for mercy before his death went viral, highlighting the horrific nature of his ordeal.
The incident took place in June when Renukaswamy was lured to a shed in RR Nagar under the pretense of meeting Darshan by a member of the actor’s fan club. He was subsequently subjected to prolonged torture and ultimately murdered within the shed. The post-mortem report indicated that Renukaswamy, a native of Chitradurga, died due to shock and haemorrhage resulting from multiple blunt injuries.
The chargesheet identifies Gowda as the primary instigator of the murder, accusing her of conspiring with other accused individuals and actively participating in the crime. She is named as accused number one in the chargesheet. Police officials have stated that Gowda’s role in the murder was significant, as she allegedly instigated the other accused and played a key role in the entire plot.
Following the submission of the 3,991-page preliminary chargesheet to the court earlier this month, a Bengaluru court extended Darshan’s judicial custody until September 12. In a separate development, Darshan filed a writ petition in the High Court seeking a directive to restrain media outlets from broadcasting or publishing details from the chargesheet.
This case has garnered widespread attention and sparked outrage amongst the public. The brutal nature of the assault and the involvement of a prominent actor have raised serious concerns about the safety of fans and the potential for abuse of power within the film industry. The investigation continues, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
