Darshan Toogudeepa, a popular Kannada actor, and his girlfriend, Pavithra Gowda, are facing intense scrutiny in a bizarre murder case that has left Karnataka stunned. The case involves the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, who allegedly sent obscene messages to Darshan’s co-star and close friend, Pavithra Gowda.
The Murder and the Investigation
Renukaswamy’s body was found in a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 9, with signs of severe injuries and burn marks. The police were alerted by a security guard who discovered the body. Initially, three people were arrested, claiming they had killed Renukaswamy over a financial dispute. However, their inconsistent statements during interrogations led investigators to widen their probe, which ultimately revealed Drshan’s involvement.
The key evidence
- CCTV footage showing two cars, a dark SUV and a red Jeep Wrangler purportedly belonging to Darshan leaving the shed in Kamakshipalya where Renukaswamy was allegedly killed at around 3:27 am on June 9.
- Phone call records between Darshan’s associates and Raghavendra, the district president of Darshan’s fan association in Chitradurga, who allegedly brought Renukaswamy to Bengaluru on Darshan’s instructions.
- Tracing of Darshan and other suspects’ phones to the five-acre parking lot in Pattanagere where Renukaswamy was assaulted.
- Statement from the 11 suspects initially arrested, which implicated Darshan and Pavithra Gowda in the murder conspiracy.
- Renukaswamy’s alleged derogatory social media posts about Pavithra Gowda, which is being investigated as a possible motive for the murder.
Darshan’s Involvement
Darshan, known as the “Challenging Star” in the Kannada film industry, was arrested from a film shoot in Mysuru on June 12. The police found that Darshan’s associates had persuaded Renukaswamy to travel to Bengulu, where he was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. The motive behind the killing is believed to the Renukaswamy’s alleged derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda on social media, which triggered the murder plot.
Social Media Drama
Pavuthra Gowda, Darshan’s girlfriend, had been involved in a social media spat with Vijayalakshmi, Darshan’s wife, over their relationship. Vijayalakshmi had posted a photo with her husband and son, which sparked Pavithra’s interest in posting a video featuring herself, her daughter, and Darshan. This led to a heated exchange between the two women, with Vijayalakshmi warning Pavithra about her character.
Darshan’s Controversies
Darshan has been involved in controversies in the past. In 2011, he spent a month in jail after being arrested for domestic abuse against his wife, Vijayalakshmi. He was acquitted in the case in 2013.
Public Reaction
Darshan’s fans are divided over their support for his wife and girlfriend. While some fans stand by Vijayalakshmi, others admire Darshan’s relationship with Pavithra. The murder case has raised questions about Darshan’s involvement and the motives behind the killing.
Darshan Thoogudeepa and Pavithra Gowda were arrested in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan who had allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra.
The charges against them are:
- Renukaswamy was lured to Darshan’s farmhouse in Mysuru, where he was tortured and killed. His body was later dumped in a drain in Bengaluru.
- Pavithra Gowda, Darshan’s close friend and alleged partner, had been harassed by Renukaswamy through lewd messages and pictures on social media. This is being explored as a possible trigger for the murder.
- Eleven other suspects were also arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and murder.
- Darshan and Pavithra were taken into custody based on the statements of the other accused.
Conclusion
The Darshan-Pavithra Gowda murder case is a shocking and complex saga that has left Karnataka reeling. The involvement of a popular actor and his girlfriend in a murder plot has raised serious concerns about the safety of celebrities and the public. As the investigation continues, the public is eagerly waiting for the truth to come out and for justice to be served for Renukaswamy’s family.
Darshan and Pavithra are facing charges of conspiracy to murder Renukaswamy, who had allegedly harassed Pavithra online. The police are investigating if Renukaswamy’s messages to Pavithra were the motive behind the killing.