Pavithra Gowda, a model-turned-actor, has become a central figure in the high-profile murder case of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old native of Chitradurga. Kannada superstar Darshan Thoogudeepa is among those arrested for the crime.
Sources indicate that Pavithra's notoriety stems from her "intimate relationship" with Darshan. On January 24, 2024, Pavithra posted a video on Instagram showing her with Darshan, captioned: “One decade down; forever to go. #10year It’s been 10 years of our relationship Thank you."
The same day, Darshan’s wife Vijayalakshmi responded by sharing a photo of herself, Darshan, and their son with the caption: "This is us. With our one and only. #familyovereverything." Hours later, Vijayalakshmi posted more photos and a pointed message criticizing Pavithra's actions: “I hope this woman has to come into her senses before posting somebody else's husband picture, it talks about her character and moral standing, knowing that the man is married she still chooses to come and stay for their own personal needs and agenda.. These images clearly show Khushi Gowda is the daughter of Pavithra and Sanjay Singh... I generally don't take to social media to raise voice over personal issues but feel now it's time to raise my voice in the best interest of my family... Will take strict legal action against people who are trying to give a different image to the entire society. Sanjaysingh @ Khushigowda @shaanvisamsuri Pavithra Gowda (sic)."
The social media storm drew mixed reactions, with some netizens supporting Vijayalakshmi and Pavithra, while others criticized both Pavithra and Darshan. Among the critics was Renukaswamy, police sources revealed.
Renukaswamy, a resident of VRS Layout in Chitradurga, worked at a local pharmacy. He was married a year ago and is survived by his pregnant wife and elderly parents. A fervent fan of Darshan, he was also associated with a local Hindutva outfit.
On the morning of June 8, Renukaswamy left for work and spoke to his mother during lunch, saying he was with friends. This was the last time his family heard from him. On June 10, police informed his family of his death.
The investigation uncovered a larger conspiracy involving Vinay, a suspect and nephew of businessman Pattanagere Jayanna. Renukaswamy was reportedly confined and tortured in a shed on Jayanna’s land in RR Nagar. The shed, used for parking vehicles seized from loan defaulters, became the crime scene. Renukaswamy sustained injuries to his groin and other body parts before his body was disposed of early in the morning.
Police are collecting evidence from the crime scene, reviewing phone records, and identifying vehicles used to transport the body. Eleven suspects have been identified, including Vinay V, Nagaraju R, Laxman M, Pradosh S, Pawan K, Deepak Kumar M, Nandish, Karthik, Nikhil Nayak, Raghavendra, and Keshava Murthy. Among them, Pavan is a friend of Pavithra, and Raghavendra is linked to Darshan’s fan association in Chitradurga. Nagaraju, a friend of Darshan, allegedly assaulted Renukaswamy, while others are close aides of Darshan.
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