Bengaluru: The ongoing investigation into the Renukaswamy murder case has revealed that popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa borrowed Rs 40 lakh from a friend to pay off accomplices for destroying evidence linked to the murder. The actor made this confession in a statement to the police.

Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old devoted fan of Darshan, was killed after allegedly making derogatory comments on social media about Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda, who is a close friend and alleged partner of Darshan. The victim's body was found near a flyover in Bengaluru on June 9.

On June 11, Karnataka Police arrested Darshan, and the investigation uncovered that he had orchestrated Renukaswamy's kidnapping and murder through a gang. Forensic evidence showed that Renukaswamy sustained 15 grievous injuries.

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During police interrogation, Darshan admitted to borrowing Rs 40 lakh from his friend Mohan Raj to pay off others involved in the crime. This amount was in addition to the Rs 30 lakh he had already paid to have the accomplices surrender and take the blame for the murder.

The police have seized the Rs 40 lakh in cash and confirmed the identity of Mohan Raj as the person who lent the money. The funds were intended to destroy evidence and avoid legal repercussions.

A Bengaluru court extended the police custody of Darshan and three other accused by two days. Thirteen other individuals, including Darshan's friend Pavithra Gowda, have been remanded to 14 days' judicial custody. In total, 17 people are accused in connection with the murder case.

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Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."

In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."

He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.

The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."

The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."