Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has been arrested by Bengaluru police in Kamakshipalya for his alleged involvement in a murder case. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry and has drawn significant media attention.
Background of the Case
Darshan, a 47-year-old actor, was taken into custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a resident of Karnataka’s Chitradurga district. The victim’s body was found on a Sunday, leading to an extensive police investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Renukaswamy had sent inappropriate messages to Darshan’s wife which might have triggered the unfortunate events.
#Darshan is back in headlines for another controversy.
2011: Arrested and held in judicial custody for 14 days following domestic violence accusations by his wife.
2016: Faced another complaint from his wife for ‘objectionable behavior.’
2021: Accused of assaulting a waiter… pic.twitter.com/EfoPUoDaTs
— KLAPBOARD (@klapboardpost) June 11, 2024
Police Investigation
The investigation revealed that Renukaswamy had harassed Pavithra Gowda. Following Pavithra’s complaint, it is alleged that Darshan instructed his associate Vinay to bring Renukaswamy to Bengaluru. The police are currently interrogating more than ten individuals related to the case. According to the police CCTV footage helped identify the victim as Renukaswamy from Chitradurga.
Details of the Arrest
Darshan was apprehended at his farmhouse in Mysore and brought to the Kamakshipalya police station in Bengaluru for further questioning. Renuka Swamy’s family has also been called to the police station to assist in the investigation. Police sources revealed that eight of the accused have implicated Darshan, stating that he was present during the assault on Renuka Swamy. The victim was allegedly beaten with a wooden log, which led to his death. The body was found near the Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru, initially identified as an unidentified body on June 8.
Confessions and Further Evidence
Renuka Swamy who was 33 years old, worked at an Apollo Pharmacy branch in Chitradurga. His parents had filed a missing person report but were advised to wait as he had only been missing for a day. The murder was officially reported on June 9 and a case was registered shortly after. Yesterday three individuals confessed to the murder claiming they acted on Darshan’s instructions.
The police are investigating whether Darshan was directly involved in the murder or part of a larger conspiracy. Tight security has been arranged around Darshan’s residence in RR Nagar to prevent any untoward incidents.
Impact on Darshan’s Career
Darshan Thoogudeepa is one of the most prominent figures in the Kannada film industry. Apart from acting, he is also a producer and distributor. He began his career in television before transitioning to films, where he has starred in several hits including ‘Kalasipalya’, ‘Saarathi’, ‘Yajamana’, and ‘Robert’. His latest film, ‘Kaatera’, was released in 2023. This incident has cast a shadow over his illustrious career and has left his fans and the film fraternity in shock.
Current Status
The police are continuing their investigation to determine the extent of Darshan’s involvement in the murder. Meanwhile, the actor remains in custody, and further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
