Actor Pavithra Gowda Watched Renukaswamy’s Torture With Sticks, Electric Shocks: Report – News18

New details have emerged in the Renukaswamy murder case, revealing that Pavithra Gowda, the main accused and a close friend of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, was present during the incident when Renukaswamy was subjected to beating with sticks and administered electric shocks.

Renukaswamy, 33, a fan of Thoogudeepa, was found murdered and dumped in a drain in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru on June 8.

According to sources, Renukaswamy was abducted from his hometown Chitradurga by several other accused and transported 200 km away to a shed in Bengaluru. The two actors allegedly joined them, with Gowda reportedly present at the scene for at least part of the time while Swamy was assaulted with sticks and subjected to multiple electric shocks, as per NDTV report.

So far, at least 17 people, including Thoogudeepa and Gowda, are implicated in the high-profile murder case.

Earlier today, the Karnataka police investigating the murder case disclosed that Thoogudeepa had contacted several individuals shortly after the alleged killing. Another accused has confessed to administering electric shocks to the victim.

In an effort to evade legal repercussions and cover up the conspiracy and destruction of evidence, Thoogudeepa, accused number two in the case, reportedly borrowed Rs 40 lakh from a friend. The money has since been recovered, police stated.

Police provided these updates in a remand application filed before the 24th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) court on Thursday, seeking police custody for Thoogudeepa and three others, and judicial custody for his friend Gowda and the remaining accused.

Meanwhile, according to the findings in the murder investigation, Renukaswamy had sent inappropriate messages to Gowda, which allegedly provoked Thoogudeepa, ultimately leading to his murder. His body was discovered near a storm-water drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli on June 9.

Police have identified Pavithra Gowda, as accused number one, as the primary instigator in Renukaswamy’s murder. They asserted that she was involved in instigating other accused, conspiring with them, and actively participating in the crime.

An autopsy report also revealed that Renukaswamy’s death was caused by shock and hemorrhage resulting from multiple blunt injuries sustained during the assault. Details of his injuries, including a ruptured testicle and electric shocks, were corroborated by statements from an accomplice during police questioning.

(With inputs from PTI)