Noted Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, known also as 'Challenging star', has been arrested in Mysuru in connection with a murder case.
According to media reports, nine of the associates of Darshan too have been arrested. Udayavani reported that Darshan was arrested from his farmhouse.
They were arrested after a youth, identified as Renukaswamy, hailing from Chitadurga, was found murdered.
Initially, his death was suspected to be a case of suicide. However, further investigation revealed that the youth was murdered.
After the alleged murder, the body of Swamy, who worked with a pharmacy company, was thrown into a stormwater drain in Kamakshipalya. The police came to know about the murder after some local residents alerted them.
Media reports suggest that the victim had been posting inappropriate social media messages against actor Pavithra Gowda, who is known to be close to Darshan.
DCP West Bengaluru Girish confirmed that Darshan has been taken into custody for questioning in connection murder.
"In connection with a murder case registered in Kamakshipalya Police Station limits of Bengaluru West division on 9th June, one of the actors of Kannada film industry has been secured and he is being questioned. The details are yet to be ascertained and the matter is under investigation. Renukaswamy (33) from Chitradurga is the victim. Around 10 people are detained and they are being questioned. The details are awaited," news agency ANI quoted Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda as saying.
