Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa finds himself at the centre of a gruesome murder case that has sent shockwaves through the community. The autopsy report of the victim, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, reveals horrifying details of the torture he endured before his death. According to the report, Renukaswamy died due to shock and hemorrhage resulting from multiple blunt injuries. The report also indicates that he was kicked, which caused a ruptured testicle, and he was given electric shocks prior to his death.
As per the forensic evidence, Renukaswamy sustained 15 grievous injuries all over his body. The autopsy highlights that there was significant bleeding in his hands, feet, back, and chest. He succumbed to blood clots caused by the severe assault. The victim was reportedly beaten with a wooden stick and a belt. Shockingly, the post-mortem report also revealed that dogs had eaten parts of his face and other areas of his body after his death.
The investigation has led to the arrest of 17 individuals, including Darshan and his former co-star and friend Pavithra Gowda. Police reports suggest that Renukaswamy had sent offensive messages to Gowda on social media, which allegedly angered Darshan. Raghavendra R, a member of Darshan’s fan club, is reported to have lured Renukaswamy to a secluded shed under the guise of arranging a meeting with the actor. It was here that Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured and killed.
According to an officer, various objects used to torture Renukaswamy were recovered, including wooden logs, a leather belt, and a rope. Police have also seized a car allegedly used in the kidnapping, found parked at a house in Ayyanahalli village in Chitradurga district.
Addressing the media, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda described the crime as "horrific, brutal and barbaric." He emphasized the police's commitment to ensuring that the accused are punished and justice is delivered to the victim’s family. Dayananda stated, "It is a heinous crime committed in a horrific manner, and we have to ensure that the accused in the case are punished and we have to deliver justice to the victim's family and our officers and staff are working in this direction."
The crime’s origins are traced back to a public spat on social media in January between Darshan’s wife Vijayalakshmi and Gowda. The spat intensified when Renukaswamy, who did not personally know either party, began posting derogatory messages against Gowda. Police believe that Renukaswamy’s online trolling of Gowda over several months became the trigger for the murder.
Allegedly, Darshan asked Raghavendra to gather information about Renukaswamy and arrange for him to be brought to Bengaluru under the pretext of meeting the actor.
Reports suggest that Darshan paid ₹30 lakh to kill Renukaswamy, dispose of his body, and destroy evidence. According to NDTV, police believe Darshan may have paid as much as ₹50 lakh to four men involved in planning and executing the murder.
On Sunday, police seized a car allegedly used in kidnapping Renukaswamy. The vehicle was found parked at a house in Ayyanahalli village in Chitradurga district. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Police Commissioner B. Dayananda stated, "It is a heinous crime committed in a horrific manner, and we have to ensure that the accused in the case are punished and we have to deliver justice to the victim's family and our officers and staff are working in this direction."
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