New Delhi:

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was recently taken into police custody in connection with the murder of Renuka Swamy, a 33-year-old fan. As the investigation continues, with 17 arrested so far in the case, the unresolved mystery of the disappearance of Darshan’s former manager, Mallikarjun B Sankanagoudar has come to the fore. 

According to a report by OneIndia, Mallikarjun, originally from Karnataka’s Gadag district, worked closely with Darshan, managing his film schedules and various affairs, but has been missing since 2016. His role extended beyond typical managerial duties as he ventured into film production and distribution. However, financial troubles loomed large over Mallikarjun’s professional life.

Investments in film production led to substantial losses, plunging him into debt, the report claims. Among his creditors was veteran actor Arjun Sarja, who reportedly lent him Rs 1 crore. The debt became a legal matter when Mr Sarja filed a lawsuit to recover the loan, citing an agreement related to the distribution of the movie ‘Prema Baraha,’ which he directed.

Reports suggest that Mallikarjun allegedly misappropriated around Rs 2 crore from Darshan. His sudden vanishing act has left many questions unanswered, particularly about the debts and the circumstances surrounding his financial dealings.

Despite ongoing efforts by the police, Mallikarjun remains untraceable. The Thoogudeepa family has remained silent on the issue, leading to speculation about whether there has been a deliberate attempt to ignore the situation.

Renuka Swamy, a devoted fan of Darshan, was allegedly murdered on the orders of the actor himself. Mr Swamy, who worked at a pharmacy, had reportedly been harassing Pavithra Gowda, Darshan’s rumoured girlfriend, by sending her objectionable messages and pictures. This provoked Darshan, leading to the brutal killing orchestrated by a gang.

The police have arrested 17 people in connection with the murder, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda. 

Bengaluru:

Ravi, the driver involved in a murder case in which popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda are accused, told police that he was instructed to take the fall for the murder but refused. 

According to Ravi, Renuka Swamy, whose body was discovered later, did not anticipate the assault that awaited him when he got into his cab. Ravi stated that Mr Swamy was not forcibly taken but was persuaded by others to join them. In the cab, the others accused in the case assured Mr Swamy they would take him to meet Darshan and suggested that he apologise for his social media comments against the actor’s girlfriend. 

Darshan along with his co-star and girlfriend Pavithra Gowda and 11 others, is in police custody. Ms Gowda allegedly prompted Darshan to punish Renuka Swamy for derogatory remarks allegedly made on her social media posts.

Ravi transported Renuka Swamy from Chitradurga to Bengaluru, a journey of approximately 200 kilometres. Upon reaching Bengaluru, Ravi went into hiding but later contacted the taxi association in Chitradurga, who advised him to surrender to the police.

Ravi’s surrender on Thursday night to the Deputy Superintendent of Police’s office in Chitradurga has given a new direction to the investigation. According to the police, Raghu alias Raghavendra, who managed a fan club for Darshan in Chitradurga, arranged the taxi that Ravi drove. Raghu, along with others, had organised the kidnapping of Renuka Swamy on June 8, leading to the sequence of events.

Details from the investigation reveal that Darshan and his aides took Swamy to a shed in Bengaluru’s Kamakshipalya. There, Darshan allegedly thrashed Swamy with a belt, and his aides beat him with sticks until he lost consciousness. The assault resulted in multiple fractures and severe injuries. Renuka Swamy’s body, later found by a food delivery rider, was being nibbled by dogs.

The autopsy report confirmed the brutal nature of the murder, citing shock and haemorrhage as the cause of death. The report identified 15 wounds on Swamy’s body, with injuries to the head, abdomen, chest, and other parts. His head had also rammed into a mini-truck parked at the shed, adding to the fatal injuries. The police seized the truck and other instruments used in the torture, including wooden logs, a leather belt, and a rope.

Darshan allegedly planted three men to take the blame for the murder, offering them Rs 5 lakh each. 

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has refuted allegations of preferential treatment being given to Darshan during his detention at the Annapoorneshwari Nagar police station. Mr Parameshwara said that Darshan is receiving the same treatment as any other accused, dispelling rumors of special facilities such as being served ‘Biryani’.

“It is not possible for police to give Biryani and royal treatment to the accused. It is not done and it should not be done,” Mr Parameshwara said. 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also denied any undue influence over the investigation. Reports suggesting that a state minister was attempting to protect Darshan were strongly denied by Mr Shivakumar, who said no political pressure was being applied.

“There is no pressure from anyone…..neither our Home Minister or anyone else is involved in it, we are not recommending anything, we don’t know anything,” Mr Shivakumar said.

The case has sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests across Karnataka. In Kalaburagi, the Jangam Samaj organised a massive demonstration demanding severe punishment for Darshan and his associates. Protesters marched from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Circle to the District Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where they burned Darshan’s portrait to condemn the murder.

BJP leader CP Yogeshwar claimed that Mr Shivakumar and his brother, former MP DK Suresh, had plans to field Darshan as a Congress candidate in the upcoming Channapatna Assembly by-election. This by-election is pending following the election of JD(S) leader and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy to the Lok Sabha.