Renukaswamy was brutally attacked, died of shock, blood loss: Autopsy

Mangalore Today News Network / India Today

Bengaluru, June 19, 2024: Police probing the death of popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa’s fan, Renukaswamy, have seized clothes and other evidence from the actor’s residence in Bengaluru’s upscale RR Nagar, according to an investigation report seen by India Today.

Following Darshan’s initial claim that the clothes he wore on the night of the alleged murder were at his residence, police took him there late Friday night to avoid media attention. While Darshan initially directed them to a laundry basket, the clothes were not found.

However, after further search, police found the clothes washed and hung out to dry on the terrace. Darshan told cops that his house help may have washed the clothes while doing the laundry.

These clothes, along with shoes seized from Darshan’s wife’s house and CCTV footage from the residence, have been taken as evidence.

RENUKASWAMY DIED OF SHOCK, HAEMORRHAGE: AUTOPSY

The development comes after an autopsy revealed Renukaswamy was brutally attacked with wooden clubs and died "due to shock and haemorrhage as a result of multiple blunt injuries sustained". The post-mortem report also indicated Renukaswamy was kicked and suffered a ruptured testicle.

According to the autopsy, Renukaswamy was given electric shocks prior to his death. Details of the alleged torture were revealed by an accomplice during questioning after his arrest, as per sources.

Darshan, his former co-star and friend Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others have been arrested in connection with the case. Renukaswamy allegedly sent offensive messages to Gowda on social media, angering the actor.

Police sources told news agency PTI that one of the accused, Raghavendra, a member of Darshan’s fan club, lured Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar under the pretext of arranging a meeting with the actor. It is here that Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured and killed.

Some of the accused in police custody confessed that Darshan paid Rs 30 lakh to kill Renukaswamy, dispose of the body and destroy evidence. They were also paid off to turn themselves in and take the blame for the murder, as per the investigation report.

Darshan, known as the "Challenging Star" in Kannada cinema, and his associates remain in police custody as the investigation continues.