Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his girlfriend, co-star Pavithra Gowda, were arrested Wednesday in connection with a murder case in Bengaluru.
Pavithra Gowda, a Kannada actor known for films like “Chatrigalu Saar Chatrigalu,” “Agamya,” and “Preethi Kithabu,” debuted in 2016 with “54321.” She’s also a model, artist, and fashion designer, running a boutique called Red Carpet Studio 777, specializing in traditional sarees and outfits.
Earlier this year, Pavithra Gowda sparked a social media frenzy by posting a video on Instagram featuring photos of herself and Darshan, celebrating what she called “10 years of our relationship.” Notably, Darshan has been married to Vijaya Lakshmi for over 20 years.
The body of 33-year-old Renuka Swamy from Chitradurga was discovered in a drain near the Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru after a food delivery agent saw dogs gnawing at it and alerted the police.
Sources say Renuka had posted offensive comments on Pavithra Gowda’s social media, accusing her of causing a rift between Darshan and his wife and using objectionable language to harass her.
These interactions are being investigated as possible motives for the murder. Thirteen people, including Darshan and Pavithra Gowda, have been arrested.