In a significant development in the Renukaswamy murder case, a Bengaluru court has extended the judicial custody of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and 16 other accused individuals until July 18. The decision came as their current custody period expired today.
Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old resident of Chitradurga and a fan of actor Darshan, met a tragic fate allegedly due to his involvement in sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, a close acquaintance of the actor. This reportedly angered Darshan, leading to a chain of events culminating in Renukaswamy’s murder. His body was discovered near a stormwater drain adjacent to an apartment in Sumanahalli on June 9.
According to police sources, Raghavendra, a member of Darshan’s fan club in Chitradurga, lured Renukaswamy to a shed in R R Nagar under the pretext of arranging a meeting with the actor. It was at this location where Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured and fatally injured. The post-mortem report cited shock and hemorrhage caused by multiple blunt injuries as the cause of death.
Among the accused, Pavithra Gowda, identified as accused number one, has been implicated as a significant instigator in Renukaswamy’s murder. Police allege that she not only incited the other accused but also conspired and actively participated in the crime.
The proceedings in court on Thursday were conducted via video conferencing, with the accused being presented from Bengaluru and Tumakuru prisons where they are currently detained.
The case has garnered widespread attention due to the involvement of a popular actor and the tragic circumstances surrounding Renukaswamy’s death. As investigations continue, the judicial custody extension underscores the gravity of the charges faced by Darshan Thoogudeepa and the other accused individuals.
Sources By Agencies
