Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa paid Rs 15 lakh to 3 men to take responsibility for murder of Pavithra's harasser

Police recovered the body of 33-year-old Renukaswamy after a food delivery agent reported that dogs were gnawing at a body lying in a drain in Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru.

According to reports, Renukaswamy had allegedly sent obscene texts to Darshan's co-star and girlfriend Pavithra Gowda, who set tongues rolling after she shared a video celebrating the 10 years of her relationship with already married Thoogudeepa.

Police said the victim had posted an objectionable comment on Pavithra's Instagram handle accusing her of causing a rift between Thoogudeepa and his wife.

Police are investigating if Pavithra’s online harassment was the reason behind Thoogudeepa’s alleged crime.

Darshan hired Raghavendra, aka Raghu, the convenor of his fan club in Chitradurga, to gather information about Renuka Swamy. The victim's wife also claimed that Raghu was the one who picked up Renukaswamy from near their house, reported NDTV.

Before being murdered, Renukaswamy was brutally assaulted, was tied up with ropes, and was savagely beaten with wooden sticks in a shed, according to the police complaint.

Thirteen people, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda, have been arrested.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda has stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted in accordance with the law to uncover the truth.

He maintained that "the guilty should be punished mercilessly as per law."

State Home Minister G Parameshwara has given the police full authority to take action against Darshan and the other accused in accordance with the law, the report said.

The incident has shocked the Kannada film industry, with the state's top industry body demanding a ban on the release of Darshan's movies.