Kannada actor Darshan allegedly planted three men to take blame for murder, offered them Rs 5 lakh each: Reports
Bengaluru, June 15: The investigation into the murder case involving popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda has taken a dramatic turn following a shocking confession from the driver implicated in the crime. Ravi, the driver, revealed to the police that he was instructed to take the fall for the murder, but refused.
According to Ravi, Renuka Swamy, whose body was later discovered, did not anticipate the assault awaiting him when he got into the cab. Ravi stated that Swamy was not forcibly taken but was persuaded by others to join them. During the journey, the accused assured Swamy they would take him to meet Darshan and suggested he apologise for his social media comments against the actor’s girlfriend.
Darshan, his co-star and girlfriend Pavithra Gowda, along with 11 others, are currently in police custody. Allegations suggest that Pavithra Gowda prompted Darshan to punish Renuka Swamy for derogatory remarks made on her social media posts.
Ravi transported Renuka Swamy from Chitradurga to Bengaluru, a journey of approximately 200 km. Upon reaching Bengaluru, Ravi went into hiding but later contacted the taxi association in Chitradurga, who advised him to surrender to the police. Ravi’s surrender to the Deputy Superintendent of Police’s office in Chitradurga has provided crucial information that has redirected the investigation.
The police have disclosed that Raghu, also known as Raghavendra, who managed a fan club for Darshan in Chitradurga, arranged the taxi driven by Ravi. Raghu, along with others, organised the kidnapping of Renuka Swamy on June 8, leading to the subsequent tragic events.
Details from the investigation reveal that Darshan and his aides took Swamy to a shed in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya. There, Darshan allegedly thrashed Swamy with a belt, while his aides beat him with sticks until he lost consciousness. The assault resulted in multiple fractures and severe injuries. Renuka Swamy’s body was later found by a food delivery rider, being nibbled by dogs.
The autopsy report confirmed the brutal nature of the murder, citing shock and hemorrhage as the cause of death. The report identified 15 wounds on Swamy’s body, with injuries to the head, abdomen, chest, and other parts. His head had also rammed into a mini-truck parked at the shed, adding to the fatal injuries. The police seized the truck and other instruments used in the torture, including wooden logs, a leather belt, and a rope.
Darshan allegedly planted three men to take the blame for the murder, offering them ₹5 lakh each.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has refuted allegations of preferential treatment being given to Darshan during his detention at the Annapoorneshwari Nagar police station. Parameshwara claimed that Darshan is receiving the same treatment as any other accused, dispelling rumours of special facilities such as being served ‘Biryani.’
“It is not possible for the police to give Biryani and royal treatment to the accused. It is not done and it should not be done,” Parameshwara said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also denied any undue influence over the investigation. Reports suggesting that a state minister was attempting to protect Darshan were strongly denied by Shivakumar, who insisted no political pressure was being applied.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests across Karnataka. In Kalaburagi, the Jangam Samaj organised a massive demonstration demanding severe punishment for Darshan and his aides. Protesters marched from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Circle to the District Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where they burned Darshan’s portrait to condemn the murder.