Actor Darshan’s custody in Renukaswamy murder case extended by three days

A Bengaluru court on Monday extended the judicial guardianship of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, his friend and actor Pavithra Gowda and others till September 12. Murder case of 33-year-old autorickshaw driver, Renukaswamy.

Darshan and Pavitha, along with 15 other accused, were produced before the court via video conferencing from different prisons as their remand ended today.

Meanwhile, another court on Monday barred the media from publishing confidential details in the case against Darshan. A city civil court issued an interim work ban on the application of the actor, who has been in judicial custody since his arrest on June 11.

Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old auto driver and fan of actor Pavithra Gowda, was found dead near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru on June 9. According to police, he was kidnapped and murdered by a gang on the actor's behalf after allegedly sending abusive messages to Pavithra Gowda on social media.

The post-mortem report revealed that Renukaswamy had been severely beaten and given electric shocks. His body had numerous bruises, a missing ear and burst testicles. Police investigation also revealed that Darshan directly involved in the physical attack on Renukaswamy.

On September 4, Bengaluru police filed a 3,991-page chargesheet against all 17 accused.

According to police sources, Pavithra, who is considered the main accused, was the “main cause” of Renukaswamy's murder. Investigations have shown that she instigated, conspired with other accused and participated in the crime.

Darshan is currently lodged in Ballari Jail after being shifted from Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The transfer followed a viral photo showing him relaxing with three others, including a known criminal, in the prison premises, which sparked considerable controversy.