Darshan’s wife Vijayalakshmi records statement, Police recover his shoes

Darshan

In a significant development in the high-profile murder case of Renukaswamy, Kannada actor Darshan's wife, Vijayalakshmi, recorded her statement with the police. This action follows the police recovering a pair of shoes allegedly worn by Darshan during the crime from her flat. The shoes, believed to be a crucial piece of evidence, were found at Vijayalakshmi’s residence after a detailed search.

The recovery of the shoes came after the police had conducted a mahazar at Darshan's house. During this search, the police had found the clothes he was wearing but not the shoes. It was later discovered that Darshan's costume manager had shifted the shoes to Vijayalakshmi's house. The police, suspecting that the shoes might contain forensic evidence linking Darshan to the crime scene, seized them and sent them for forensic analysis.

Vijayalakshmi visited the Annapoorneshwari Nagar police station on Wednesday to provide her statement. This was her first meeting with Darshan since his arrest. She also took to social media to express her views on the case and her husband's situation. In a heartfelt message on Instagram, she conveyed her condolences to Renukaswamy's family, stating, "At the outset, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased Sri. Renukaswamy. Alongside, the last few days have been full of anguish for Darshan, myself, my teenage son & all of Darshan’s friends, family and fans...I have full faith in Ma Chamundeshwari & in our legal system. Let Justice Prevail."

Adding to the media attention surrounding the case, Vijayalakshmi has also obtained an interim injunction order against the media. Issued by the X Additional City Civil and Session Judge in Bengaluru, the order restrains the media from "printing, publishing, telecasting the news or any other information touching the personal and family life of the plaintiff [Ms. Vijayalakshmi and her husband Darshan Srinivas." This move aims to prevent the dissemination of any unverified information regarding the investigation, thereby protecting the family's privacy.

The police have collected DNA samples of the nine accused, including Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and others who were present at the shed where Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured and killed. These samples will be matched with those collected from the crime scene to establish a concrete link between the suspects and the murder.

The custody of Darshan and the other accused is set to end on Thursday, with the police planning to present them before the court. Sources indicate that the police are likely to seek an extension of their custody to continue their investigation and gather more evidence.

Amidst reports in certain media sections suggesting political pressure on the investigation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has denied these claims. "No pressure in Darshan case," he stated, addressing the allegations that some MLAs and Ministers were trying to influence the choice of the Special Public Prosecutor. The CM asserted, "No MLA or Minister has put any pressure on me in Darshan’s case, not just on the choice of the Special Public Prosecutor. Even if they try, I am not someone who will heed to any such pressure. The police have been given a complete free hand and they are investigating the case as they deem right. Suitable action will be taken as per law."

This high-stakes investigation continues to unfold with each passing day, and the latest developments highlight the complexity and the intense scrutiny surrounding the case. The involvement of multiple high-profile individuals and the media spotlight has ensured that the proceedings are closely followed by the public. The upcoming court hearings and the forensic analysis of the recovered shoes are expected to provide further insights into the case, potentially bringing the authorities closer to uncovering the truth behind Renukaswamy's murder.