PremiumRenukaswamy murder: Pavitra Gowda is accused number 1; Darshan accused number 2
A total of 17 people have been named in the death of Chitradurga-resident Renukaswamy. All 17, have been sent to 6-days police custody
Last Updated: 08.16 PM, Jun 11, 2024
Early on June 11, Kannada superstar Darshan was picked up by the Kamakshipalaya police in connection with the death of Chitradurga-resident Renukaswamy. At the time, it was alleged that the actor had orchestrated the death of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, who was said to have posted ‘derogatory’ messages on actress Pavitra Gowda’s social media page. Pavitra and Darshan have been alleged to be a couple, although the latter is still officially married to Vijayalakshmi. It was alleged that Darshan had ordered a supari on Renukaswamy and had been brought in for questioning.
However, during the course of the day, it emerged that Renukaswamy, himself a Darshan fan, was allegedly lured to Bengaluru by the actor’s Chitradurga fan association. He is said to have been thrashed mercilessly at a dumping yard for seized vehicles, owned by an acquaintance of the actor, and succumbed to his injuries, following which, his body was dumped in a stormwater drain. Renukaswamy is said to have sustained 15 major injuries, including, with blows from a rod.
CCTV footage and cell tower details suggest that Darshan was also at this yard at the time of Renukaswamy’s death, following which, the star has now been named an accused in the case. According to the latest, Pavitra Gowda is accused number 1, while Darshan is accused number 2. All 13 of the accused in the case have been taken for medical check-up at the Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru, after which they are being produced before a magistrate.
The police have demanded remand of 14 days, while the actor’s lawyer is contesting this and stating that the actor is being slandered. Judicial custody is what the advocate has sought instead. The public prosecutor, though, is said to have stated that recovery of the vehicles involved in the case, as seen in the CCTV footage, among others, is why the 14 days have been sought. Renukaswamy is said to have been kidnapped on June 7 and found dead 2 days later. The contention is that the accused may attempt to tamper with evidence, and hence the quest for police custody.