In a twist of events that has sent shockwaves across the Kannada film industry, Pavithra Gowda, a prime accused in the murder of Renukaswamy, a fervent fan of Kannada superstar Darshan, has been clarified not to be the actor’s wife but merely a co-star. Darshan’s legal representative, Anil Babu, addressed the confusing allegations on Saturday, putting to rest the rumors that have been circulating since the arrests.
Darshan, along with his so-called ‘partner’ Pavithra Gowda and fourteen other individuals, were apprehended earlier this week on charges related to the gruesome murder of Renukaswamy, aged 33, a native of Chitradurga. Early investigations have disclosed that Renukaswamy, who was an avid admirer of Darshan, had sent offensive messages to Pavithra Gowda via social media. The investigation revealed that the victim was abducted, taken to Bengaluru, held in a shed, and subject to severe torture resulting in his death.
During a press interaction post his visit to Darshan at the Annapoorneshwari Nagar police station on Saturday, Anil Babu stated, “I met Darshan twice after his arrest. I am representing him on behalf of his wife, in-laws, and family members. Vijayalaxmi, Darshan’s wife, is extremely disheartened by certain sections of the media projecting Pavithra Gowda as his wife. This misinformation has even restricted her from stepping out of the house.”
Anil Babu emphasized that Vijayalaxmi wishes to communicate clearly to the media and the public of Karnataka that she is Darshan’s sole legally wedded wife and no one else holds that position. “The couple has one son. Pavithra Gowda is merely a co-artiste and a friend of Darshan; there is no marital relationship between them,” he asserted.
When probed about the officials addressing Pavithra Gowda as Darshan’s wife, Anil Babu suggested it was probably a mistake. “There is no documentation to confirm Pavithra Gowda as Darshan’s wife. If they had been married, there should be legal documents to corroborate this, which there aren’t.
. Darshan is legally married to only one person, Vijayalaxmi,” he added.
Regarding Darshan’s condition in police custody, the counsel shared, “He is holding up well. Our interactions are limited in the presence of the police, primarily concerning his health condition. Darshan did mention some pain in his shoulder and ankle. Reports are already suggesting a 14-year prison sentence for him, leading to a media trial. We plan to file a bail application in due course after gathering the necessary documents,” he explained.
To provide context, Pavithra Gowda had posted a message on social media celebrating ten years of her ‘relationship’ with Darshan, which Vijayalaxmi vehemently opposed, criticizing Pavithra for attempting to disrupt her family. Fans of the actor have since been divided in their support for the two women. Renukaswamy had supported Vijayalaxmi, sending derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda, reportedly igniting the sequence of events that led to his tragic death.
The case has not only garnered immense media attention but also sparked debates among the public about the private lives of celebrities, the repercussions of social media disputes, and the resulting extreme actions.
The allegations and ensuing investigation have cast a shadow over Darshan’s career, bringing to light the often tumultuous intersections between stardom, personal conflicts, and fan interactions. The Kannada film fraternity, along with Darshan’s extensive fan base, now awaits further developments in this convoluted case, hoping for clarity and justice.
As the case progresses, the clarification provided by Anil Babu aims to dispel the misinformation circulating about Darshan’s personal life and reassures the public of the truth regarding his marital status. The unfolding proceedings will likely continue to dominate headlines, keeping fans and the general public alike on tenterhooks.
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