The Karnataka Police have made significant strides in the investigation of the murder of Renukaswamy, a devoted fan of the Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa. The probe, which has drawn considerable public attention, has led to the arrest of 17 individuals implicated in a chilling conspiracy to kidnap and murder Renukaswamy. The motive, as revealed by the police, was rooted in derogatory comments made by Renukaswamy on social media about Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, who is a close friend and alleged partner of Darshan.
The Crime Unveiled
The body of Renukaswamy was discovered near a flyover in Bengaluru on June 9. Within a span of two days, actor Darshan was arrested, marking a crucial point in the investigation. According to the Karnataka Police, Renukaswamy was kidnapped and subsequently murdered by a gang acting under the directions of Darshan. This revelation has not only shocked the Kannada film industry but also brought to light the dark undercurrents of fan associations and their often-extreme measures.
Roles of the Accused
Pavithra Gowda: Known for her close association with Darshan, was reportedly present at the crime scene. The police reports indicate that she assaulted Renukaswamy with a slipper before others took over, further torturing him at a parking yard in Bengaluru's Pattanagee area.
Darshan Thoogudeepa: The actor, who is a celebrated figure in the Kannada film industry, has been identified as the main conspirator. Darshan allegedly financed the kidnapping and murder of Renukaswamy, providing significant monetary incentives to ensure the act was carried out. He gave Rs 5 lakh each to two of the men who assumed the blame for the murder. Additionally, Darshan was involved in the subsequent destruction of evidence to cover up the crime.
Raghavendra: As the chief of Darshan’s fan association, Raghavendra played a pivotal role. He kidnapped Renukaswamy on behalf of Darshan and Pavithra and was actively involved in the physical assault on Renukaswamy.
Pawan: Identified as the fourth arrested accused, Pawan had multiple roles in this conspiracy. He was in contact with Raghavendra during the kidnapping and actively participated in the assault. Moreover, Pawan, who worked as house help at Darshan’s residence, received Rs 30 lakh from Darshan to bribe officials and conceal the crime.
Nandish: Nandish's involvement extended to orchestrating part of the torture. He instructed another accused, Dhanraj, to bring an electric megger to administer electric shocks to Renukaswamy.
Jagadish: As the sixth accused, Jagadish was directly involved in the abduction, transporting Renukaswamy from Chitradurga to Bengaluru, where the victim was ultimately tortured and murdered.
Anukumar: This individual was part of the kidnapping team and fled following the murder, highlighting the organized nature of the crime.
Ravishankar: He drove the car used in the kidnapping, playing a crucial logistical role in the execution of the abduction.
Dhanraj: A cable worker from Mandya, Dhanraj provided the tools for torture, including a cable wire used to deliver electric shocks.
Vinay: A close associate of Darshan, Vinay not only assaulted Renukaswamy but also sought advice from a local police official on concealing the murder.
Nagaraju: Darshan’s manager, Nagaraju, was responsible for changing Renukaswamy’s clothes post-murder to further distance the crime from the perpetrators.
Lakshman: One of Darshan’s drivers, Lakshman was present at the scene, participated in the assault, and arranged for the disposal of Renukaswamy’s body.
Deepak: This individual facilitated the financial aspects, paying Rs 5 lakh to three people who were prepared to take the blame for the murder.
Pradosh: With Rs 30 lakh received from Darshan for expenses, Pradosh coordinated efforts for several men to surrender and assume the blame for the crime. He also organized a critical meeting between Darshan and the other accused.
Karthi: Worked at the location where Renukaswamy was tortured and murdered, and also handled the transport of the body.
Keshavamurthy: Present at the scene with Darshan, Keshavamurthy also assaulted Renukaswamy.
Nikhil: After the murder, Nikhil transported Renukaswamy’s body and later surrendered to the police, having received Rs 5 lakh for his involvement.
Additional Investigation
The investigation also unveiled a chilling conspiracy involving several prominent figures from Darshan's fan association, who allegedly kidnapped and tortured Renukaswamy before killing him. The roles of Puneet and Hemanth, who were also accused, are being investigated. Puneet's car was allegedly used to transfer Renukaswamy's body, and Hemanth reportedly washed the bloodstains from the car, although he claimed ignorance of the bloodstains.
On Tuesday, speaking about the case, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda emphasized that the police would ensure that all those involved in the Renukaswamy murder case are punished, delivering justice to the victim's family. Considering the importance, significance, and sensitivity of the case, it has been handed over to an Assistant Commissioner of Police level officer, ACP Vijayanagar, who will lead the special investigation team comprising various inspectors, sub-inspectors, and other staff.
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