Kannada actor challenging star Darshan arrested for alleged role in murder over obscene lyrics

Bangalore:

Popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was arrested today in connection with the murder, police said, two days after the case was registered.

This morning, the police took Darshan away from his farmhouse in Mysore. Officials said he would be taken to Bengaluru for further interrogation. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) confirmed that the 47-year-old actor had been arrested.

According to the police, the victim, Renuka Swamy, was murdered on June 8. His body was found in a drain in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru on June 9. Mr Swamy, who worked for a pharmaceutical company, sent “obscene messages” on social media to an actress close to Darshan, police said.

Mr. Swamy was from Chitradurga, over 200 km from the capital of Karnataka.

Local residents reportedly informed the police about the murder when they saw stray dogs dragging the body from a drain. The investigation led to the arrest of some of the suspects who allegedly directed the police to Darshan.

“He was my only son. He got married last year. I only talked to him on Saturday. I want justice,” said Swamy’s father Srinivasaiah.

Police provided tight security at Darshana’s RR Nagar residence in Bengaluru.

Police are investigating whether Darshan was directly involved in the murder or was part of the conspiracy. Nine more people were arrested in this case.

The actor is known for his roles in films such as Anatharu (2007), Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012) and Kaatera (2023).