The brutal murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a dedicated fan of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, has captured national attention. Renukaswamy was allegedly killed over derogatory social media comments about Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, Darshan’s close friend and alleged partner.
The police have arrested more than 15 individuals in connection with the murder, including Darshan, known as the ‘Challenging Star,’ and Pavithra Gowda. The investigation has revealed a chilling conspiracy involving several key figures from Darshan’s fan association.
Renukaswamy, a resident of Lakshmi Venkateswara Layout in Chitradurga, Karnataka, worked at a pharmacy. Recently married, his wife is now three months pregnant. Reports allege that Renukaswamy sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, blaming her for a rift between Darshan and his wife, Vijayalakshmi. Additionally, he is accused of forwarding explicit images of himself to Gowda, boasting about his superiority to Darshan.
Outraged by Renukaswamy’s actions, Pavithra allegedly enlisted the help of her associates to exact revenge. Raghavendra, the President of the Darshan Fans’ Association in Chitradurga, was tasked with locating Renukaswamy. On the afternoon of June 8, Raghavendra lured Renukaswamy from Chitradurga under the pretext of introducing him to his idol. Renukaswamy was transported in a hired Etios car to a vehicle impound shed in Bengaluru’s Rajarajeshwari Nagar, owned by Vinay, a hotelier and close aide of actor Darshan.
CCTV footage shows actor Darshan’s Thar entering the shed at around 7 pm and leaving at 3 am. Inside the shed, it is alleged that Darshan and Pavithra brutally beat Renukaswamy. Pavithra reportedly struck him with a slipper, while Darshan used a belt until he lost consciousness. Accomplices then attacked him with sticks, rods, and a wooden club, ultimately throwing him against a wall, causing fatal multiple bone fractures. Renukaswamy succumbed to his injuries.
Following Renukaswamy’s death, Pavan, a househelp, informed Darshan and took Rs 30 lakh in cash to manage the situation. Vinay then contacted a police sub-inspector (PSI), falsely reporting that the murder was due to a financial dispute. Following the PSI’s suggestion, Pradosh took Rs 30 lakh to find Karthik and his team from Girinagar, who agreed to take the blame and surrender for the crime. Pradosh initially gave them Rs 5 lakh, with the remaining amount promised after their trial. The accused were assured that all court expenses, including bail, would be covered.
The investigation continues as more details emerge about this shocking incident, shedding light on the dark side of fandom and celebrity culture in the region.
