The murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, has shocked the nation. Renukaswamy was allegedly killed due to his derogatory comments on social media about Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, who is closely associated with Darshan. This gruesome act has led to the arrest of Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and over 15 others, revealing a chilling conspiracy that implicates several prominent figures from Darshan's fan association.
### Victim and His Alleged Offense
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 and making boastful comparisons between himself and Darshan.
### Plot to Teach Him a Lesson
Outraged by Renukaswamy's actions, Pavithra allegedly sought help from her associates to take revenge. Raghavendra, the President of the Darshan Fans’ Association in Chitradurga, was tasked with locating Renukaswamy. On June 8, Raghavendra, under the pretense of introducing Renukaswamy to Darshan, lured him from Chitradurga. Renukaswamy was then transported in a hired car to a vehicle impound shed in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar, owned by Vinay, a hotelier and close aide of Darshan.
### The Gruesome Murder
CCTV footage shows Darshan's Thar entering the shed around 7 pm and leaving at 3 am. Inside the shed, Darshan and Pavithra allegedly brutally beat Renukaswamy. Pavithra reportedly struck him with a slipper while Darshan used a belt, beating him until he lost consciousness. Accomplices then attacked him with sticks, rods, and a wooden club, eventually throwing him against a wall, and causing fatal multiple bone fractures. Renukaswamy succumbed to his injuries.
### Attempted Cover-Up
After Renukaswamy's death, Pavan, a house help, 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 resulted from 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.
### Investigation and Reactions
The investigation continues, revealing more details about this shocking incident. This case highlights the extreme measures taken by some individuals to protect their public image and personal relationships, as well as the dark underbelly of fandom and celebrity culture in the region. The involvement of prominent figures and the attempted cover-up further underscore the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice for Renukaswamy and his grieving family.
