Darshan's partner Pavithra Gowda is 'the main reason' for Renukaswamy murder: Police

According to the police, it was Gowda who played a crucial role in orchestrating the “inhuman and murderous” assault on Renukaswamy.

In a startling development, the Bengaluru police have identified Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa's partner and co-star, Pavithra Gowda, as the primary instigator behind the brutal murder of 33-year-old pharmacy employee Renukaswamy. The police's remand note has revealed that Gowda allegedly provoked and conspired with the other accused to execute the crime.

According to the police, it was Gowda who played a crucial role in orchestrating the “inhuman and murderous” assault on Renukaswamy. The remand note stated, “Our investigation has established that Pavithra Gowda was the main reason for the crime. She provoked and hatched a conspiracy with the other accused.” The police claim that scientific and technical evidence supports this assertion, underscoring the deliberate and coordinated nature of the attack.

Renukaswamy, who was allegedly sending lewd messages to Gowda on a social media platform, was found dead near Sumanahalli bridge on June 9, a day after the murder. The police's remand note detailed that Renukaswamy succumbed to shock and haemorrhage resulting from multiple blunt injuries, as per the autopsy report.

The case took a significant turn when three men, on June 10, walked into the Kamakshipalya police station and confessed to the murder. During their questioning, Darshan's name emerged as a key figure in the conspiracy. Following this, the police apprehended Darshan, Gowda, and 15 others. While Darshan and three others remain in police custody until Saturday, the remaining accused, including Gowda, have been placed in judicial custody.

The remand note also shed light on Darshan's actions following the murder. The police have accused him of making numerous calls to arrange cash to pay the "fall guys" and other influential individuals to keep his name out of the case. Investigators discovered Rs 37.4 lakh in cash at Darshan's residence on June 19. It is alleged that Darshan obtained Rs 40 lakh from one Mohan Raj to escape legal action, cover up the conspiracy, and destroy evidence.

The police have sought additional time to further question the accused and gather more witnesses. They believe that if Darshan and the others are granted bail, they might use their influence to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses, and hinder the investigation.

Darshan's lawyer, Ranganath Reddy, expressed surprise at the prosecution's claims. “It is very surprising that they (prosecution) have said they found some witnesses,” he told reporters on Thursday. Reddy added that the defence would review the final remand note before applying for bail.

The police's remand notes have painted a grim picture of a well-planned conspiracy. They allege that Darshan misused his influence and resources, mobilising his fans and others to commit the crime and subsequently destroy evidence. “After the act, the accused hatched a conspiracy and with the intention to destroy evidence, allured people with criminal backgrounds with money to shift the body from the place of the crime to another,” stated one of the remand notes.

During a search conducted on June 15 in Chitradurga, investigators found Rs 4,40,500 in cash, a gold chain, and a ring belonging to the victim at the residence of Raghavendra, the district president of the Chitradurga chapter of the Darshan Fans Association.