Indian film star arrested after mutilated body found in drains

Fans of an Indian film star arrested in connection with a murder investigation gathered on Tuesday at the Bengaluru police station where he was being held, demanding his release.

Darshan Thoogudeepa, 47, who has starred in several hit films and enjoys a huge fan base in the southern state of Karnataka, home to tech hub Bengaluru, was arrested on Tuesday, the state police chief told reporters.

Local media showed that police had to put up barricades around a police station in Bengaluru to stop desperate fans calling for his release.

The actor, known by his first name, was arrested while he was at a gym in the city of Mysuru and taken to Bengaluru, about two hours away, to appear before a local court, media reports said.

Police said his arrest was in connection with the murder of a 33-year-old man whose mutilated body was found in a drain on the outskirts of Bengaluru over the weekend.

The case caused a sensation in a state where stars like Darshan have fanatical supporters.

It is unclear whether any charges have been filed against the actor.

“Until the investigation is completed, we cannot say anything more. Whether he is involved or not, why the murder was committed and why his name came up, we will know only after an investigation,” Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told reporters.

According to his IMDB page, Darshan Thoogudeepa has acted in 69 films.