The police brought the accused to the spot in Bengaluru’s Sumanahalli where Renukaswamy’s body was found on June 12, 2024. | Photo credit: Sudhakar Jain
A day after film star Darshan and his 12 aides were taken into custody for six days, the police on June 12 took the accused to the Pattanagere shed to inspect the spot where 33-year-old Renukaswamy was tortured to death on June 8.
All the accused were brought to the shed to ascertain the role of each accused in the murder. The police recorded their statements and are now looking for the weapons used to torture and kill Renukaswamy. Amid tight security, accused number 2, Darshan, and accused number 1, Pavithra Gowda, were among the 17 accused taken to the spot for inspection.
Sections invoked
They have been booked under sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to conceal the commission of offence) of the IPC.
Earlier, the police had seized two cars, including the red SUV used by Darshan to go to the shed. The police had recovered a CCTV footage in which the red SUV was seen moving towards the shed and confirmed it with Darshan. The police also seized a liquor bottle found in the SUV and a handbag from the other car, which probably belongs to Ms Gowda, a close friend of Mr Darshan.
People gather near the spot where Renukaswamy’s body was found during a spot mahajjar by the police with the accused in Bengaluru on June 12, 2024. | Photo credit: Sudhakar Jain
Meanwhile, police are searching for four other suspects in the case who are said to have provided logistical support and are currently at large.
to influence the vision
Investigation revealed that the accused had kidnapped Renukaswamy and assaulted him to impress Darshan. Later, when Darshan went to the shed, they also allegedly assaulted him and left the place. Following this, the other accused assaulted Renukaswamy again, following which he died, it is learnt.
According to sources, the accused later called Darshan and informed him about Renukaswamy’s death. The actor reportedly instructed Nandish, Nikhil and Keshavamurthy to dispose of the body and surrender to the police later. Darshan reportedly told the accused that he would “take care of their families” and give them ₹5 lakh.
However, after the trio surrendered before the police the next day, police verification and analysis of call record details led to major revelations, a senior police officer said. The police are now searching for the rope and wooden pieces that the accused had used to brutally torture Renukaswamy.
