Three individuals, including a close aide of Kannada film star Darshan Thoogudeepa, have been arrested in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor. Renukaswamy from Chitradurga was reportedly murdered on the night of June 8. The victim was allegedly targeted for sending inappropriate messages to Pavithra.
The arrests come as police recovered CCTV footage that reportedly shows the victim being abducted in a car.
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Karnataka Fan Murder
Nagaraj, who managed various dealings for Darshan and took care of his farmhouse in Mysuru, is among those arrested. He had been evading arrest since the police initially held Darshan, actress Pavithra Gowda, and 11 other associates.
Police sources revealed that Nagaraj was a key figure in the actor's inner circle. Details about the role of another co-star, Pradosh, remain undisclosed. Pradosh had appeared in minor roles in several films starring Darshan.
Another suspect, identified as Ravi, surrendered to the Deputy Superintendent of Police on Thursday evening. Ravi, a resident of Kurubarahatti in Chitradurga, had been on the run since the murder was discovered, as reported on PTI.
The total number of arrests, including that of Darshan and Pavithra, related to this case has now reached 16.
The body of Renukaswamy was found in a stormwater drain within the jurisdiction of Kamakshipalya police station after a food delivery executive alerted authorities.
On June 9, three individuals approached the police, confessing to the murder and citing a financial dispute as the motive. However, further investigation revealed that they were attempting to mislead authorities. The deeper probe implicated Darshan and his associates in the crime.