Categories
Karnataka actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, a key accused in the kidnapping, assault, and murder of Renuka Swamy last year, attended a special screening of his latest film, Vamana, in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening. This came just hours after he missed a scheduled court appearance, citing back pain. His legal team claimed that the actor was suffering from a recurrence of back pain, a condition that had previously affected him during his time in Bellary prison. Last year, Thoogudeepa had refused medical treatment at a local hospital and demanded to be transferred to Bengaluru, where he was later granted bail on medical grounds and admitted to a city hospital.
The actor’s absence from court did not sit well with the judge, who expressed displeasure and warned Thoogudeepa that no further excuses would be accepted for future hearings. The court also addressed Thoogudeepa’s request for the return of Rs 75 lakh in cash seized from his home during the investigation. All other accused, including his partner Pavithra Gowda, were present in court as required.
Thoogudeepa and several others are accused of conspiring to kidnap, torture, and murder Renuka Swamy after he allegedly sent obscene messages and made derogatory social media posts about Pavithra Gowda. Swamy’s body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru in June last year.
A total of 17 individuals have been charged in the case, and police believe Thoogudeepa paid up to Rs 50 lakh to several men involved in the crime, including facilitating Renuka Swamy’s abduction from Chitradurga district to Bengaluru. The police allege that Rs 30 lakh was paid to Pradosh (alias Pawan) for handling the abduction, murder, and body disposal. Additionally, Nikhil and Keshavamurthy are believed to have received Rs 5 lakh each for their roles in the murder and body dumping. Rs 5 lakh was also reportedly paid to the families of two men, Raghavendra and Karthik, who were allegedly coerced into submitting false confessions and serving time in prison in place of the accused.
Arrested in June last year, Thoogudeepa was granted regular bail by the Karnataka High Court in December. His time in custody, however, was marred by controversy. A viral photo showed the actor smoking a cigarette and lounging on a lawn in the Bengaluru prison, suggesting he was being afforded special privileges. Videos further indicated that he was enjoying a rather comfortable life in prison. Following the media uproar, an inquiry was launched, and Thoogudeepa was transferred to another facility before being released on bail.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the horrific nature of the crime and the involvement of a popular actor in the conspiracy. The ongoing trial continues to make headlines, with all accused expected to attend future court hearings as required.
Also Read: China Escalates Tariff War, Imposes Additional 50% Levy—Total Tariffs on U.S. Imports to Hit 84%
