In a significant development in the Renukaswamy murder case involving jailed Kannada actor Darshan, investigators have discovered that chat histories and call records were deleted from the mobile phones of the four arrested accused before the devices could be seized. The Kamakshipalya Police in Bengaluru are now sending the phones to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed examination, as the witness intimidation angle deepens.

Data Wiped Across All Seized Devices

According to police sources, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook chat histories, along with group call logs, had allegedly been deleted from all four mobile phones prior to seizure. Investigators are questioning the accused to determine whether the erased data can be recovered and whether it contains evidence tied to the alleged conspiracy to threaten a key prosecution witness. The FSL has been requested to submit its findings at the earliest to aid the ongoing investigation.

Who Was Threatened and Why It Matters

The alleged target of the intimidation was Sandeep, identified as the 49th prosecution witness in the Renukaswamy murder trial. Sandeep works as a cashier at Durga Bar in Tumakuru and is considered crucial to the case because, according to investigators, the accused had stopped at the bar while allegedly transporting Renukaswamy from Chitradurga to Bengaluru — making his testimony central to establishing the victim's movements before the murder.

The accused allegedly lured Sandeep into a vehicle under the pretext of discussing an important matter, then warned him not to depose against Darshan before the trial court, allegedly telling him they would 'take care of him' if he proceeded with his testimony.

Key Accused and Their Alleged Links to Darshan

Three persons — Punith, Venu, and Suhas — have been arrested in connection with the alleged witness intimidation. Police allege that Punith managed Darshan's fan pages on social media for nearly six years, while Venu and Suhas are members of the Tumakuru Darshan Fans Association. Punith has been remanded to five days of police custody, and his mobile phone has also been dispatched for forensic analysis.

Investigators suspect that a group of four persons had instructed Punith to issue the threats. However, during interrogation, Punith has reportedly continued to deny any knowledge of the incident or that anyone directed him to threaten the witness.

Film Producers Under Scanner

In a further development, investigators have begun collecting documents and other evidence relating to certain film producers, whom they suspect may have supported the accused in the alleged intimidation effort. The suspicion reportedly emerged during the course of questioning, prompting the Kamakshipalya Police to widen the scope of their inquiry.

How the Case Came to Light

The alleged witness intimidation surfaced during the ongoing trial of the Renukaswamy murder case. After the matter was brought to the notice of the trial court, it directed the police to probe the allegations — a directive that led directly to the arrests. Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged conspiracy to influence prosecution witnesses, and are awaiting the FSL's forensic reports before drawing further conclusions.