Bengaluru: The murder case of Renukaswamy, allegedly involving Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, took a turn following the surrender of Ravi, a driver of a taxi who transported Renukaswamy from Chitradurga to Bengaluru before he was murdered. He is considered a crucial witness in the gruesome murder.
According to sources, Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, was allegedly murdered for making indecent comments against Pavithra Gowda, an actor and close friend of Darshan Thoogudeepa.
Allegations suggest that Pavithra had urged Darshan to punish Renukaswamy for allegedly posting indecent comments on her social media account. Actor Darshan, Pavithra, and eleven others are in police custody in connection with the murder case. Ravi surrendered to the DySP in Chitradurga on Thursday night.
Accused Raghavendra and others hired Ravi’s taxi to take the victim, Swamy, to Bengaluru on June 8. After dropping the victim and all the accused, Ravi went into hiding and later surrendered to the police based on advice from the taxi association in Chitradurga.
It is said that Raghu, alias Raghavendra, was asked to gather information about Renukaswamy after Pavithra Gowda and other accused learned that he was from Chitradurga and worked in a pharmacy. Raghu runs a fan club for actor Darshan in the city.
Swamy’s wife reported his kidnapping from near their home, according to the police. CCTV footage has emerged showing two cars leaving the area where Swamy’s body was dumped on the night of the murder, one of which is linked 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 accomplices assaulted him with sticks until he lost consciousness. The brutal attack caused multiple fractures after Swamy was slammed against a wall. A food delivery rider later discovered the body, with dogs seen nibbling on it.
