Kannada star Darshan Thoogudeepa and wife Pavithra Gowda arrested, sent to 6-day Police custody in murder case

In a shocking turn of events, popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his partner Pavithra Gowda have been arrested and sent to six-day police custody in connection with a murder case, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said on Tuesday (June 11).

Darshan and his aides arebeing investigated by police regarding the murder of Renuka Swamy, which reportedly occurred on June 9 in the Kamakshipalya area of the city.

"In connection with a murder, a Kannada film actor has been taken into custody and is being questioned," Commissioner Dayananda informed the media, according to PTI news agency.

The 47-year-old actor was picked up in relation to the case involving Swamy, who worked with a pharmacy company and was originally from Chitradurga district.

The incident came to light when Swamy's body was found in a stormwater drain in Kamakshipalya. "Based on the recovery of the dead body of an unidentified man and the injuries on his body, a murder case was registered. On the basis of CCTV footage and other technical evidence, the deceased was identified as Renuka Swamy," Dayananda explained.

The Commissioner stated that Darshan and his aides have been detained for questioning but refrained from disclosing further details due to the ongoing investigation. When asked about Darshan's arrest, he clarified, "He has been taken into custody and is being questioned. Other procedures will follow after the due process."

Initial investigations suggest that the murder may be linked to derogatory comments made by Swamy against a film actress on social media. The police were alerted about the murder by local residents who discovered the body. A subsequent autopsy confirmed that Swamy had been murdered.

Further investigation and interrogation of suspects led to Darshan's detention from a hotel in Mysuru. Police sources indicated that they are probing whether the actor was directly involved in the murder or if he played a role in the conspiracy. Additionally, the actress against whom the derogatory comments were made has also been detained for questioning.

Renuka Swamy's family expressed their devastation upon hearing the news. "He was my only son. Last year he got married. I spoke to him on Saturday only. I want justice," his father Srinivasaiah said, speaking to reporters at Kamakshipalya police station.

In light of Darshan's detention, security has been tightened around his residence in RR Nagar to manage his large fan following.

Darshan, who made his debut as a lead actor in the 2002 film Majestic, has starred in numerous commercially successful films such as Kariya, Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, Kalasipalya, Gaja, Navagraha, Saarathi, Bulbul, Yajamana, Robert, and Kaatera.

(With inputs from agencies)