Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa fan Renuka Swamy was tortured with electric shocks before murder: Autopsy report

PTC Web Desk: The post-mortem report of Renuka Swamy, a fan of renowned Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, has revealed that he was subjected to electric shocks prior to his death, police sources said on Monday. This revelation comes as the police delve deeper into a high-profile case that has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry. Actor Darshan and his actress friend Pavithra Gowda are among 17 persons arrested in connection with Renuka Swamy’s murder.

The investigation took a significant turn with the recent arrest of Dhanraj, a cable worker from Mandya, who provided crucial details about the torture. Dhanraj allegedly received a call from Nandish, another suspect, summoning him to a warehouse in Bengaluru where they planned to use an electrical megger to administer shocks to Renuka Swamy. The police have since seized this device.

Renuka Swamy, an autorickshaw driver and a member of Darshan’s fan club, was reportedly kidnapped from Chitradurga district on June 8 after he allegedly sent offensive messages to Pavithra Gowda. His body was later found near Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru.

The police have impounded a car allegedly used in the abduction. The vehicle was found parked at a residence in Ayyanahalli village in Chitradurga district. Ravi, another suspect, reportedly abandoned the car at that location. After interrogating Ravi’s family, the police confiscated several items from the vehicle.

Darshan, known by his moniker ‘Challenging Star’, along with 12 of his aides was arrested on June 11. On Saturday, police custody for Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 11 others was extended further.