Leading Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his close friend and actress Pavithra Gowda were arrested on Tuesday in Bengaluru in connection with the murder of a man who allegedly made “derogatory” comments against her, police sources said.
The news has sent shockwaves through the South Indian film industry and the actor’s fan base who affectionately know him as the “Challenging Star.” Darshan, who is famous for his roles in numerous commercially successful films, along with Pavithra Gowda, were taken into custody alongside 12 others after intensive police questioning.
The victim, identified as Renuka Swamy, was discovered dead on June 9. Police sources reveal that Swamy had made derogatory remarks about Pavithra Gowda on social media, which could have triggered the violent incident. Originally from Chitradurga and employed by a pharmaceutical company, Swamy’s body was found in a stormwater drain, raising initial suspicions that prompted an in-depth investigation.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda elaborated on the steps taken by the police once the body was found. “Based on the recovery of the dead body of an unidentified man and the injuries on his body, a murder case was registered. On the basis of CCTV footage and other technical evidence, the deceased was identified as Renuka Swamy,” Dayananda disclosed. Local residents initially alerted the police about the body, leading to an autopsy that confirmed foul play.
Subsequent forensic reports pinpointed the cause of death, creating a trail of evidence that eventually led to the arrest of Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 11 other suspects. These arrests hinge on statements from eyewitnesses and the initial suspects. The court has now remanded the actor and his associates to six days of police custody to facilitate further questioning.
Darshan, aged 47, has an extensive body of work that includes hit films such as “Kariya,” “Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna,” “Kalasipalya,” “Gaja,” “Navagraha,” “Saarathi,” “Bulbul,” “Yajamana,” “Robert,” and “Kaatera.” He was apprehended in Mysuru as he stepped out of a hotel gym. The police were quick to act, apprehending him soon after his workout session.
The murder is said to have occurred in a shed at Pattanagere under the jurisdiction of Kamakshipalya police station. The shed reportedly belonged to one of Darshan’s aides. Following the murder, the body of Renuka Swamy was then disposed of in a nearby stormwater drain.
. This gruesome discovery and the ensuing investigation unraveled a network of complicity involving the film stars and several others.
“We are probing to find out if the actor was directly involved in the murder or was part of the conspiracy,” a police official commented, indicating the complexity of the ongoing investigation.
The magnitude of this tragedy has left Renuka Swamy’s family devastated. “He was my only son. Last year he got married. I spoke to him on Saturday only. I want justice,” said his grieving father, Srinivasaiah, at Kamakshipalya police station. The emotional toll on the family only amplifies the gravity of this case.
Home Minister of Karnataka, G Parameshwara, clarified Darshan’s status during this investigation. “A person from Chitradurga was murdered in Bengaluru. In connection with that murder, some people have been arrested, and during their inquiry Darshan’s name has come, so he has been brought for inquiry,” Parameshwara stated. He was cautious in his comments, maintaining that no conclusions could be drawn until the investigation was complete. “Until the investigation is over, nothing can be said. Whether he (Darshan) is involved or not. What is the reason for the murder? Why has his name come? All those things will be known only after the investigation,” he added.
Given the high-profile nature of the case, police have ensured tight security around Darshan’s residence in RR Nagar, Bengaluru. Since his debut as a lead actor in the 2002 movie ‘Majestic,’ Darshan has garnered an enormous fan following, complicating the public response to his current plight.
The twists and turns of this unfolding drama continue to captivate media attention and public scrutiny, as more details emerge and investigations proceed.
