A court has extended the judicial custody of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his friend Pavithra Gowda, and other co-accused in the Renukaswamy murder case until July 18.
![[Renukaswamy Murder Case] Bengaluru Court Extends Custody of Actor Darshan Till July 18](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-28-1.png?resize=801%2C450&ssl=1)
Bengaluru: Today (4th July): A court has extended the judicial custody of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his friend Pavithra Gowda, and other co-accused in the Renukaswamy murder case until July 18.
The 17 accused, including Darshan and Pavithra, appeared before the magistrate via video conferencing from Bengaluru and Tumakuru prisons as their custody period concluded today.
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Police reports indicate that the victim, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, had sent obscene messages to Gowda, which allegedly provoked Darshan and led to the murder. Renukaswamy’s body was discovered near a stormwater drain adjacent to an apartment in Sumanahalli on June 9.
Raghavendra, a member of Darshan’s fan club in Chitradurga, lured Renukaswamy to a shed in R R Nagar under the pretense of meeting the actor. In this shed, Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured and killed.
The post-mortem report reveals that Renukaswamy, a Chitradurga native, died from shock and hemorrhage due to multiple blunt force injuries. Police sources state that Pavithra Gowda, identified as the prime instigator, played a significant role in the crime by conspiring with and inciting the other accused.
Darshan apprehended on June 11 for his alleged involvement in the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy. Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, had reportedly sent inappropriate messages to Darshan’s co-star and friend, Pavithra Gowda, who also arrested in connection with the case.
The messages allegedly infuriated the actor, leading him to enlist a member of his fan club to carry out the murder, according to sources.
Sources further revealed that Raghavendra, a member of Darshan’s fan club, enticed Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar under the guise of arranging a meeting with the actor. It was there that Renukaswamy allegedly tortured and killed.
Several of the accused, while in police custody, have confessed that Darshan paid Rs 30 lakh to have Renukaswamy killed, dispose of the body, and destroy evidence. They also reportedly compensated to surrender and take the blame for the murder, according to the investigation report.
The autopsy revealed that Renukaswamy suffered a brutal attack with wooden clubs, leading to his death “due to shock and haemorrhage resulting from multiple blunt injuries.” The post-mortem also noted that Renukaswamy was kicked, causing a ruptured testicle.
Additionally, the autopsy indicated that Renukaswamy was subjected to electric shocks before his death. Details of this alleged torture emerged during the interrogation of an accomplice, according to sources.
Seventeen individuals stand accused in this murder case.
Police seized slippers, clothing, materials, and various documents related to actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who also implicated in the murder, from Pavithra’s residence. It is alleged that Dhanaraj, also known as Raja, a member of Darshan’s group and the ninth accused in the case, administered electric shocks to Renukaswamy. The police recovered an ‘Electric Shock Torch’ from Dhanaraj’s home.
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This high-profile case continues to unfold, promising further revelations and legal battles in the coming weeks. The judicial custody of Darshan Thoogudeepa marks a crucial phase in the ongoing investigation, with all eyes on the upcoming court proceedings.
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