Breakthrough in Kannada actor Darshan case as driver surrenders; startling revelations emerge
Bengaluru, June 14: The murder investigation involving popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda has taken a significant turn with the surrender of Ravi, a crucial witness. Ravi, a driver, transported Renuka Swamy from Chitradurga to Bengaluru, a distance of 200 km, before Swamy was found dead.
Darshan Thoogudeepa, known as ‘Challenging Star’, his co-star and girlfriend Pavithra Gowda, and 11 others are currently in police custody. As per the allegations, Pavithra Gowda urged Darshan Thoogudeepa to punish Renuka Swamy for allegedly posting derogatory comments on her social media. Ravi surrendered to the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Chitradurga on Thursday night.
Another suspect, Raghu alias Raghavendra, along with others, arranged for a taxi to take Swamy to Bengaluru on June 8. All accused boarded Ravi’s cab in Chitradurga and arrived in Bengaluru later that evening. After dropping them off, Ravi went into hiding but later sought advice from the taxi association in Chitradurga, who recommended he surrender to the police.
Raghu, who ran a fan club for the Kannada actor in Chitradurga, was allegedly hired to gather information about Swamy. According to the police, Swamy’s wife reported his kidnapping from near their home.
CCTV footage has surfaced showing two cars leaving the vicinity where Swamy’s body was dumped on the night of the murder, one of which is connected to the actor. The accused allegedly took Swamy to a shed in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya, where Darshan reportedly beat him with a belt while his aides assaulted him with sticks until he fell unconscious. The attack resulted in multiple fractures after Swamy was slammed against a wall.
The body was found by a food delivery rider, with dogs seen nibbling on it.