Kannada actor Darshan was arrested by Bengaluru police on Tuesday for questioning in connection with a murder case. The actor was taken into custody from his farmhouse in Mysuru and transported to Bengaluru for further investigation. Darshan’s involvement in the case emerged after police discovered his frequent communication with an accused individual in the murder of Renuka Swamy, a 33-year-old native of Chitradurga. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda confirmed that Darshan is being questioned by investigating officers. “In connection with a murder case registered in Kamakshipalaya police station on June 9, one of the actors of the Kannada film industry (Darshan) has been detained and the matter is under investigation. The victim is a person from Chitradurga. He is around 33 years old. His name is Renuka Swamy,” Commissioner Dayananda told HT.
The police have also detained more than ten other individuals, including security personnel associated with the actor, as part of the broader investigation. The specific details surrounding Renuka Swamy’s death remain unclear at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.
Darshan Thoogudeepa, known as the ‘challenging star’ in Sandalwood, made his debut as a lead actor in the Kannada film ‘Majestic’ in 2001 and has since become a prominent figure in the Kannada film industry. However, his career has been marred by controversies. In 2021, Darshan faced accusations of assaulting a waiter at a restaurant in Mysuru. In 2023, the Forest Department registered a case against Darshan and his farmhouse manager, Nagaraj, under the Wildlife Protection Act for posing with a bar-headed goose, a migratory bird. In September-October 2011, Darshan was arrested and spent a month in jail for assaulting his wife, Vijayalakshmi. The couple later reached a compromise, and Darshan was acquitted in 2013. Public backlash against Darshan was evident in 2022 when a slipper was hurled at him during the promotion of his film ‘Kranti’ in Hosapete, Karnataka.
Darshan’s arrest in connection with the murder case has shocked his fans and the Kannada film industry. The ongoing investigation will determine the extent of his involvement and any potential legal repercussions.
