Three men arrested for allegedly threatening a key prosecution witness in the Renukaswamy murder case — involving jailed Kannada actor Darshan — are set to be produced before a Bengaluru court on Thursday, 3 July 2025, with police seeking their custody for deeper interrogation. The arrests mark a significant development in an already high-profile trial that has gripped Karnataka for over a year.

Who Was Arrested and Why

The three accused — identified as Punith, Venu, and Suhas — were arrested by the Kamakshipalya Police on Wednesday following directions from the trial court, which ordered an investigation after the alleged intimidation was brought to its notice. Prior to being produced in court, all three underwent a medical examination at KC General Hospital in Bengaluru.

According to investigators, the accused allegedly contacted the 49th prosecution witness, Sandeep — a cashier at Durga Bar in Tumakuru city — under the guise of discussing an important matter. They reportedly took him in their vehicle and, while driving, allegedly warned him of consequences if he testified against Darshan in court, telling him they would 'take care of him' should he go ahead with his deposition.

Why Sandeep's Testimony Is Critical

Sandeep's evidence is considered pivotal to the prosecution's case. Investigators allege that while transporting murder victim Renukaswamy from Chitradurga to Bengaluru, the accused had stopped at Durga Bar — where Sandeep was on duty — and made a payment after consuming food and liquor. His testimony is expected to establish the chain of custody placing Renukaswamy in transit to Bengaluru before his death, a key element in proving criminal conspiracy and abduction.

Links to the Murder Case

Police allege that Punith is a particularly significant figure — not just for the witness intimidation charge, but also because his Scorpio SUV was allegedly used to transport Renukaswamy from Chitradurga to Bengaluru. He reportedly managed Darshan's fan pages on social media for nearly six years. Venu and Suhas are stated to be members of the Tumakuru Darshan Fans Association.

Police have said they will seek custody to ascertain whether any larger conspiracy exists to intimidate or influence prosecution witnesses during the ongoing trial.

Background: The Renukaswamy Murder Case

The case centres on the alleged abduction, torture, and murder of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old resident of Chitradurga, in June 2024. According to the police, Renukaswamy had allegedly sent objectionable messages to actress Pavithra Gowda, Darshan's partner. A group of accused, allegedly acting at the behest of Darshan, is said to have abducted Renukaswamy from Chitradurga and brought him to Bengaluru, where he was confined, assaulted, and tortured at a shed. He succumbed to his injuries; his body was subsequently discovered near a stormwater drain in the city.

Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and several others were arrested. Police filed a chargesheet alleging offences including murder, criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and destruction of evidence. Darshan was subsequently granted bail, which the Supreme Court later cancelled. The trial is currently underway before a Bengaluru court, and Wednesday's arrests signal that efforts to subvert the judicial process are being actively monitored.