Actor Darshan, popularly known as ‘Challenging Star’, and many of his close associates were arrested for the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor.
The gruesome murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a devoted fan of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, has captured national headlines. Renukaswamy was allegedly killed for making derogatory comments on social media about Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, who is Darshan’s close friend and alleged partner.
The police have so far arrested over 15 people in connection with the murder, including Darshan, known as the ‘Challenging Star,’ and Pavithra Gowda. The investigation has unveiled a chilling conspiracy involving several prominent figures from Darshan’s fan association.
VICTIM AND HIS ALLEGED OFFENSE
Renukaswamy, a resident of Lakshmi Venkateswara Layout in Chitradurga, Karnataka, worked at a pharmacy. Recently married, his wife is now three months pregnant. Reports allege that Renukaswamy sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, blaming her for a rift between Darshan and his wife, Vijayalakshmi. Additionally, he is accused of forwarding explicit images of himself to Gowda, boasting about his superiority to Darshan.
PLOT TO TEACH HIM A LESSON
Outraged by Renukaswamy’s actions, Pavithra allegedly enlisted the help of her associates to exact revenge. Raghavendra, the President of the Darshan Fans’ Association in Chitradurga, was tasked with locating Renukaswamy.
On the afternoon of June 8, Raghavendra, under the pretext of introducing Renukaswamy to his idol, lured him from Chitradurga. Renukaswamy was transported in a hired Etios car to a vehicle impound shed in Bengaluru’s Rajarajeshwari Nagar, owned by Vinay, a hotelier and close aide of actor Darshan.
THE GRUESOME MURDER
CCTV footage shows actor Darshan’s Thar entering the shed at around 7 pm and leaving at 3 am. Inside the shed, it is alleged that Darshan and Pavithra brutally beat Renukaswamy. Pavithra reportedly struck him with a slipper while Darshan used a belt until he lost consciousness. Accomplices then attacked him with sticks, rods, and a wooden club, ultimately throwing him against a wall, causing fatal multiple bone fractures. Renukaswamy succumbed to his injuries.