Kannada actor Darshan Thogudeepa has made a startling confession regarding his involvement in the assault of Renukaswamy, as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder. According to the chargesheet filed by the Bengaluru Police, Darshan admitted to repeatedly kicking Renukaswamy and hitting him with a wooden branch. This admission came just days after a video showing a shirtless Renukaswamy pleading for his life before his death circulated online. On Monday, a Bengaluru court extended the judicial custody of Darshan and the other accused until September 12. ALSO READ: Darshan Thoogudeepa-Pavithra Gowda's Fingerprints Found On Renuka Swamy's Clothes - Reports
Darshan's statement revealed that Renukaswamy appeared exhausted and had already been assaulted by the time he encountered him. He went on to describe how he kicked Renukaswamy in his neck, chest, and head, and hit him with a branch. He also admitted to instructing Pavithra Gowda, another accused, to strike Renukaswamy with her slipper. The chargesheet, as quoted by CNN-News18, presents this grim account of the brutal attack. The 33-year-old victim, Renukaswamy, was found dead near a stormwater drain in Karnataka's Sumanahalli area on June 9. It is alleged that Renukaswamy's inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda sparked the violent altercation, leading to his murder.
Reports indicate that one of Darshan’s fan club members lured Renukaswamy to a shed under the guise of arranging a meeting with the actor. It was in this shed that Renukaswamy was subjected to brutal torture before being murdered. The post-mortem report confirmed that Renukaswamy died from shock and haemorrhage, resulting from multiple blunt force injuries. Gowda, identified as the main instigator, has been labeled the primary accused in the chargesheet. Investigators believe she not only provoked others involved in the crime but also actively participated in the conspiracy and murder.
In response to the growing media coverage, Darshan has filed a writ petition in the High Court, seeking to prevent news outlets from broadcasting or publishing details from the chargesheet. Meanwhile, the 47-year-old actor was recently transferred to Ballari jail after a viral photograph showed him socializing with others on the grounds of Parappana Agrahara Central prison.
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