Darshan fan murder case: Karnataka cops trace two industrialists in witness threat probe
Synopsis
The Renukaswamy murder case has taken a new turn: Karnataka Police have reportedly traced two industrialists — Kiran and Gaurav Shetty — who allegedly threatened the case's 49th witness via a conference call, with forensic data from a seized phone as the key evidence. An unidentified influential woman is also under scrutiny, suggesting the alleged intimidation network runs deeper than the three already-arrested accused.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka Police have reportedly traced industrialists Kiran Shetty and Gaurav Shetty in connection with threats to witness Sandeep in the Renukaswamy murder case .
Sandeep , a bar cashier, is listed as the 49th witness in the case and was allegedly forcibly taken in a car and threatened.
Forensic analysis of WhatsApp data from accused Puneeth's mobile phone placed the Shettys on a conference call at the time of the alleged threats, according to FSL findings.
An unidentified influential woman is also under investigation for allegedly coordinating with Puneeth before the Shettys issued instructions.
The underlying case involves the alleged murder of Renukaswamy , 33 , a fan of actor Darshan , in June 2024 ; Darshan , Pavithra Gowda , and 15 others are charge-sheeted.
The Supreme Court had previously cancelled Darshan's bail and ordered his immediate re-arrest.
Karnataka Police investigating the alleged kidnapping and death threats issued to Sandeep, the 49th witness in the Renukaswamy murder case, have reportedly traced two industrialists suspected of playing a central role in intimidating him. The development, confirmed by police sources on Tuesday, 11 August, marks a significant escalation in a case that has gripped Bengaluru since mid-2024.
Key Developments
The two industrialists have been identified as Kiran Shetty and Gaurav Shetty, according to police. Forensic analysis of call records allegedly places both men on a conference call at the time Sandeep — a bar cashier — was reportedly threatened with dire consequences after being forcibly taken in a car. Investigators suspect the duo used accused Puneeth as an intermediary to intimidate and blackmail Sandeep.
Police had earlier arrested three persons — Puneeth, Suhas, and Venu — in connection with the witness-threat case. Kamakshipalya Police registered the case and launched the investigation following Sandeep's complaint.
Role of Digital Evidence
The breakthrough reportedly came from Puneeth's seized mobile phone. WhatsApp data extracted from the device was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis. The FSL findings allegedly helped investigators establish the communication chain between the accused and the two industrialists, placing Kiran and Gaurav Shetty on a conference call with Puneeth at the critical moment.
Notably, investigators are also examining the alleged role of an unidentified influential woman in the case. According to police sources, she reportedly contacted Puneeth before the Shetty brothers approached him, instructing him to follow whatever directions they gave — suggesting a possible layer of coordination that predates the direct threats.
What the Prosecution Alleges
Police suspect the threats to Sandeep were designed to prevent him from providing testimony or information in the Renukaswamy murder trial. The alleged attempt to silence a listed witness adds a witness-tampering dimension to an already high-profile case being tried before the Bengaluru Sessions Court.
Investigators are awaiting further technical and forensic reports before deciding on the next course of action against those suspected of involvement.
Background: The Renukaswamy Murder Case
The underlying case involves the alleged abduction and murder of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan of Kannada actor Darshan from Chitradurga. According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted and brought to Bengaluru in June 2024, assaulted at a shed, and later succumbed to his injuries. His body was allegedly dumped near a stormwater drain on the outskirts of the city.
Actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others have been arrested and charge-sheeted in the case. The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled Darshan's bail and directed his immediate re-arrest, also ordering that he not be accorded VIP treatment in prison. As the trial proceeds, the alleged attempt to intimidate a key witness underscores the pressures bearing down on the prosecution's case.
Point of View
If proven, would intensify that scrutiny further. Karnataka Police's ability to move swiftly from digital evidence to named suspects will be the real test of whether this high-profile case reaches an uncontaminated verdict.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Kiran and Gaurav Shetty in the Renukaswamy murder case?
Kiran Shetty and Gaurav Shetty are two industrialists whom Karnataka Police have reportedly traced in connection with alleged threats issued to Sandeep, the 49th witness in the Renukaswamy murder case. Forensic call-record analysis allegedly places them on a conference call with accused Puneeth at the time Sandeep was threatened.
Who is Sandeep and why is he significant in this case?
Sandeep is a bar cashier listed as the 49th witness in the Renukaswamy murder case. He was allegedly forcibly taken in a car and threatened with dire consequences, prompting Kamakshipalya Police to register a separate case into the alleged witness intimidation.
What is the Renukaswamy murder case?
The Renukaswamy murder case involves the alleged abduction and killing of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old fan of Kannada actor Darshan from Chitradurga, in June 2024. According to the prosecution, he was brought to Bengaluru, assaulted at a shed, and his body was allegedly dumped near a stormwater drain. Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others have been arrested and charge-sheeted; the case is being tried before the Bengaluru Sessions Court.
What role did digital forensics play in tracing the industrialists?
Police seized accused Puneeth's mobile phone and sent extracted WhatsApp data to the Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis. The FSL findings reportedly helped establish the communication between Puneeth and the two industrialists, placing them on a conference call at the time the alleged threats were made to Sandeep.
What is the current status of actor Darshan in the case?
Darshan has been arrested and charge-sheeted in the Renukaswamy murder case. The Supreme Court earlier cancelled his bail and directed his immediate re-arrest, also ordering that he not receive VIP treatment in prison. The case is currently before the Bengaluru Sessions Court.
