BJP delegation meets Renukaswamy’s family, asks Karnataka government to give compensation, job to his wife

A total 17 people including Darshan and his friend Pavithra Gowda are accused in the murder case.

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‘Everyone has to condemn this incident’

“Renukaswamy’s murder is inhuman and no one in the civilised society can support it. Everyone has to condemn this incident in the strongest terms. This heinous murder is being discussed not only in the state but nationally. Looking at his parents and wife, it hurts and we are unable to understand as to how to console them and instill courage in them,” Vijayendra said after consoling the family.

Speaking to reporters in Chitradurga after meeting the family members, he urged the state government and the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to instill courage in the family, give compensation and a government job to Renukaswamy’s wife, who is four months pregnant.

“Investigation is going on, it is known to everyone as to who all are involved, but the investigation has to be done properly, without budging under any pressure. The investigation has to happen without losing track, and the guilty and the murderers should be punished,” he added.

Darshan, popularly known as “Challenging Star”, and 12 of his close associates were arrested last Tuesday for the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor.

Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, allegedly commented on the social media account of Gowda, a small-time actress, accusing her of creating a rift between the actor and his wife. He also allegedly used “indecent language” and posted offensive messages, according to police sources.

Related: Want justice for Renukaswamy’s family, his unborn child: Kiccha Sudeep

Urges CM to compensate family

“The Chief Minister should immediately take a decision regarding giving compensation to the family of the deceased. So far no Minister has visited the family. I have just got information that Home Minister (G) Parameshwara will be visiting. I urge him to take the case seriously, along with instilling confidence in the family, financial help should also be provided,” Vijayendra added.

According to sources, one of the accused, Raghavendra, who is part of Darshan’s fan club in Chitradurga, had brought Renukaswamy to a shed in RR Nagar in Bengaluru, on the pretext that Darshan wanted to meet him. It was in this shed that he was murdered.

The body was found near a storm-water drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli on 9 June.

The investigation team is believed to have gathered enough evidence including CCTV footage, which could establish that Darshan was present during the alleged assault on Renukaswamy, leading to his death, sources said, adding that the victim had suffered multiple injuries on his body.

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