PremiumMore trouble for Darshan? Questions arise about disappearance of ex-manager
Mallikarjun, who was the executive producer of Prema Baraha, and eventually served as the Challenging Star’s manager for a while, went missing a few years ago
Last Updated: 05.48 PM, Jun 18, 2024
Kannada news channels are currently on an overdrive digging into Challenging Star Darshan’s alleged criminal activities. The actor is currently in police custody in the murder of a fan, Renukaswamy, who allegedly sent derogatory messages to Darshan’s partner Pavitra Gowda, and now, questions arise if his former manager Mallikarjun’s disappearance also involves foul play.
Mallikarjun was Darshan’s manager briefly, but has been ‘missing’ for well over 6-7 years. There were allegations of financial misconduct, including of having withheld distribution amount to Arjun Sarja for Prema Baraha that was distributed by Darshan’s banner. Mallikarjun is said to have misappropriated money to the tune of Rs 2 crore from Darshan as well and has not been seen or heard from for many years. Reports suggest he went missing in July 2018.
Despite an ongoing investigation into his disappearance, Mallikarjun is yet to be found by the police and produced before the court. Given Darshan’s current legal issues, there are hushed whispers that perhaps Mallikarjun faced a similar fate as Renukaswamy. Mallikarjun was, after all, the man who was handling all of Darshan’s affairs at one point, including his remuneration and call sheets, among others. And in the last 6 years, the Thoogudeepa family has never addressed his disappearance or the amount owed to them. Did they really let it slide?
TV channels are now urging viewers to reach out to the nearest police stations if they have information about Mallikarjun’s whereabouts. In fact, they are also asking Mallikarjun to provide proof of life.
Meanwhile Darshan and his current partner Pavitra Gowda are among 14 people arrested in the murder of Chitradurga resident Renukaswamy, who had allegedly sent derogatory messages and obscene images to the latter. They are in police custody till June 17 and will be produced before the court thereafter.