Kannada Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa Detained for Alleged Involvement in Murder Case

Popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa was detained for questioning today in connection with a murder case, police reported, two days after the case was registered. Police apprehended Darshan at his farmhouse in Mysore this morning and will transfer him to Bengaluru for further interrogation, according to officials. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) confirmed that the 47-year-old actor is in custody.

The victim, Renuka Swamy, was murdered on June 8, and his body was discovered in a drain in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, on June 9, according to police. Mr. Swamy, who worked for a pharmacy company, had allegedly sent "obscene messages" via social media to an actress close to Darshan, as stated by the police.

Mr. Swamy hailed from Chitradurga. Local residents alerted authorities to the murder after observing stray dogs dragging a body from the drain. The investigation led to the arrest of several suspects, who reportedly directed the police to Darshan.