Renukaswamy Case: 'Darshan is Not a Murderer', Congress MLA's Clean Chit Amid Probe

Bengaluru: Despite all the evidence against Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in the murder of Renukaswamy, Karnataka’s Congress MLA Uday Gowda has come forward in his defence. Speaking to the media, Gowda, the Maddur Congress MLA, insisted that Darshan is not a murderer. "Darshan can get a little angry, but that doesn't make him a criminal," Gowda stated. He elaborated that although Darshan may occasionally speak harshly to fans and the media, this behaviour does not warrant the severe accusations levelled against him. 

Reacting to reports of an alleged attack on his gunman, MLA Uday Gowda expressed surprise and disbelief. "Who told you all this? There is no such incident," he asserted. Gowda stressed that a police investigation is currently underway and urged patience before jumping to conclusions. "Let's talk after the investigation is over," he added.  

Atrocities of Darshan's Gang

For the unversed, it has been revealed that Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa's gang has been implicated in a violent attack against a police constable. The incident allegedly took place at the residence of Maddur MLA Uday 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 23rd. 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 entourage 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 Congress MLA Uday Gowda 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.

‘Renukaswamy Was Administered Electric Shock’

Meanwhile, the Karnataka police, probing the Renukaswamy murder case, has said Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa had contacted several individuals soon after the alleged killing, while another accused has confessed that the victim was administered an electric shock.  Aimed at escaping from "adverse legal actions" against him and meet the expenses to "cover up" the conspiracy and destruction of evidence, Darshan, accused number two in the case, had taken Rs 40 lakh from a friend, and the money has been recovered, they said.

Police have shared an update on the investigation in the remand application filed by the police before the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court on Thursday, when they sought police custody of Darshan and three others, and judicial custody for his friend Pavithra Gowda, and remaining accused. A total of 17 people including, Darshan and Gowda, are accused in the murder case.

According to police sources, Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to 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.

Police have said that the 47-year-old actor and other accused -- Dhanraj D, Vinay V and Pradosh -- did not cooperate with the investigation and tried to hide facts.

The court on Thursday extended the police custody of the four by two days till June 22. The rest were remanded to judicial custody.