The police custody of Darshan Thoogudeepa, a Kannada actor known as “Challenging Star,” and his 12 associates has been extended until June 20 in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor. The extension was granted by an Additional Metropolitan Magistrate court on June 15 to allow the investigation team to gather crucial evidence and recover equipment used to torture the deceased. The case revolves around the death of Renukaswamy, who allegedly made offensive comments about actress Pavitra Gowda on social media, accusing her of creating a rift between Darshan and his wife.
The post-mortem report revealed that Renukaswamy was subjected to torture, including electric shocks, before his death. A newly arrested suspect, Dhanraj, a cable worker, provided police with details about the torture, stating that he was called to a warehouse in Bengaluru by another accused, Nandish, where they planned to use an electrical megger to shock Renukaswamy. The police have confiscated the device used in the torture.
Further investigation revealed that Renukaswamy was abducted and taken to a warehouse where he was tortured and ultimately killed. The police obtained footage that illustrated the events leading up to his abduction and murder, showing the accused following him in an autorickshaw after he left home at 9:30 AM and capturing him passing a petrol station at 9:41 AM. An accomplice was also seen following on a white scooter.
On June 16, the police seized a car allegedly used in the victim’s kidnapping, parked at a house in Ayyanahalli village, Chitradurga district. The car was owned by one of the accused, Ravi, and police interrogated his family and confiscated several items from the vehicle. Forensic experts were present during the vehicle seizure.
The investigation team gathered substantial evidence, including CCTV footage, indicating Darshan’s presence during the assault on Renukaswamy, leading to his death. The victim suffered multiple injuries. Police took Darshan to his RR Nagar residence on Friday (June 14) night for a spot ‘mahazar’ and reportedly seized items, including clothes.
The investigation continues, with the police seeking to uncover all aspects of the crime and bring those responsible to justice.
