Renukaswamy Murder Case: Links Between Darshan and Congress MLA Uday Gowda Emerge

Bengaluru: Amid the ongoing probe in Renukaswamy murder case, a link between Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa's and Karnataka’s Congress MLA Uday Gowda has come to the fore. This came to light after Darshan's gang has been implicated in a violent attack against a police constable. The incident allegedly took place at the residence of Maddur MLA Gowda.

According to reports, DAR constable Nagesh was assaulted by Darshan's aides when the actor was campaigning for Mandya Lok Sabha Congress candidate Star Chandru on April 23. The campaign event in Maddur turned chaotic when Darshan's gang clashed with gunman Nagesh over issues related to approaching leaders in the crowd.

Witnesses claim that Lakshman, Nagaraju and other members of Darshan's gang instigated the altercation. The conflict escalated, leading to Nagesh being attacked in front of Uday Gowda's house in Kadalur. During the assault, Darshan's aides allegedly boasted that the police could not take action against them.

Constable Nagesh proceeded to the Kestur police station to file a complaint, but no case was registered. Following the attack, Nagesh received medical attention at the taluk hospital in Maddur, where an MLC (Medico-Legal Case) was conducted.

It is further alleged that the Congress MLA intervened to compromise the issue, raising concerns about potential political interference in the investigation. The police investigation is ongoing, with many calling for a thorough and unbiased probe into the incident.

'Darshan is not a murderer': MLA Gowda

Karnataka’s Congress MLA Gowda has come forward to defend actor Darshan following his arrest in connection with the Renukaswamy killing case. Speaking to the media, Gowda addressed several issues, including the accusations against Darshan. 

"Darshan is not a murderer. Yes, he can be a bit grumpy and angry, but that doesn't make him a criminal," Gowda asserted while speaking to a leading English daily. He emphasized that while Darshan might occasionally speak harshly to fans and the media, this behavior does not warrant the severe accusations being made against him. 

Highlighting his long-standing friendship with Darshan, the MLA stated, “Darshan has been my friend for many years. He is irritable and angry sometimes, but he's not a butcher who commits murder. I don't know if he acted in this manner or if those around him did something wrong.”

The MLA also dismissed allegations of an attack on his gunman as false and urged the public to be patient while the police investigation uncovers the truth. "Who told you all this? There is no such incident. Let's talk after the investigation is over," he added. 

Gowda dismissed the claims as false. "I don't know if my gunman was attacked. It's all lies. I have five or six gunmen. Wouldn't I have known if one of them had been assaulted? Nothing happened. All that is just a false creation," he concluded.

The Renukaswamy Murder Case

A total of 17 people including actor Darshan are accused in Renukaswamy's murder case. Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to actress Pavithra Gowda, which enraged Darshan, allegedly leading to his murder. His body was found near a storm-water drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli here on June 9.

Darshan has confessed to have given Rs 30 lakh to another accused Pradosh for the disposal of the body and to ensure that "his name does not come out anywhere," police have claimed.

According to the post-mortem report, Renukaswamy's death was caused due to shock and haemorrhage as a result of multiple blunt injuries sustained.