In the Renukaswamy murder case being investigated by the Karnataka police in Bengaluru, it has been revealed that Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa contacted multiple individuals following the alleged killing. Additionally, one of the accused has confessed to administering electric shock to the victim.
Darshan, identified as accused number two, accepted Rs 40 lakh from a friend to evade legal consequences and to support the cover-up of the crime and destruction of evidence. The police provided an update on the investigation in the remand application submitted before the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court.
They sought police custody for Darshan and three others, and judicial custody for his friend Pavithra Gowda and the remaining accused. A total of 17 individuals, including Darshan and Gowda, have been implicated in the murder case. The tragic incident occurred on June 9 when Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, was allegedly murdered near an apartment in Sumanahalli. The investigation revealed that Darshan, along with the other accused, did not cooperate with the authorities and attempted to conceal information.
The court extended the police custody of the four main suspects by two days, while the others were remanded to judicial custody. Pavithra Gowda, accused number one, was identified as a significant factor in Renukaswamy's murder, as she allegedly incited the other accused, conspired with them, and participated in the crime. The police found evidence linking Darshan to the crime, stating that he utilized his finances, accomplices, and fanbase in committing the offense.
During questioning, Dhanraj, identified as accused number 9, admitted to assaulting Renukaswamy and using an electric shock device on the victim. The police seized the device and are planning further investigations to determine its source. Darshan admitted to receiving Rs 40 lakh from his friend to evade legal repercussions and conceal evidence.
The police recovered a significant portion of the money from Darshan's residence. Accused Pradosh was involved in destroying evidence and has been uncooperative with the investigation. Efforts to recover crucial items thrown into a drainage by Pradosh have so far been unsuccessful.
The police recovered a substantial amount of money from another accused, Raghavendra, and also retrieved the victim's belongings from his residence. Raghavendra, a member of Darshan's fan club, lured Renukaswamy to a shed where he was allegedly tortured and killed.
The investigation team has gathered substantial evidence, including CCTV footage, linking Darshan to the assault on Renukaswamy. Autopsy results indicated that Renukaswamy's death resulted from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple blunt injuries sustained.
