Action against Darshan after talks with artists' union: KFCC

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) President N M Suresh on Wednesday said that a decision regarding taking action against Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who has been arrested in connection with a murder case, will be taken after discussion with the artists' union.

He indicated that action will most likely be taken only after the police file a charge-sheet in the case. Suresh was responding to members of some proKannada organisations, who met him, demanding that KFCC take strong action against Darshan.

They demanded that Darshan's movies should not be released and he should be boycotted, as they also questioned the film industry and federation for their "silence" on the issue.

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

Renukaswamy, a resident of district headquarters town of Chitradurga, allegedly commented on the social media account of Pavithra Gowda, a close friend of Darshan and 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.

"First of all I express my condolences to the family of Renukaswamy...we too share their grief. It is our duty to respond to the demand placed. Please don't say that the Film Chamber of Commerce is inactive, I don't agree with it," Suresh told reporters.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner (B Dayananda) has said that they will do a detailed probe in the case in accordance with law and bring the truth out, he said.

"We too are saying that the guilty should be punished mercilessly as per law."

"We too have got certain complaints, but there is a 'Kalavidara Sangha' (artistes' union) for it. The Film Chamber of Commerce is for producers, distributors and exhibitors, but still we have tried to respond. We have spoken to the 'Kalavidara Sangha', we are trying to hold a discussion with artists. We cannot decide unilaterally. I will call a meeting to discuss," he added.

Actor, other accused taken to crime spot

Leading Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, arrested in connection with a murder case, was on Wednesday taken to Pattanagere here, where the crime was committed, for a spot inspection, police sources said.

Pavithra Gowda, a close friend of Darshan and small-time actress, who is the key accused in the case, was also brought to the spot.

Darshan's associates, including Nikhil, Vinay, Karthik and Raghavendra, were also earlier taken there for the spot inspection.

They are accused of disposing of the body. The police arrested 13 people including Darshan and Gowda on Tuesday for the recent murder of Renukaswamy, said to be a fan of the well-known actor.

Actor had assaulted wife earlier

In 2011, Darshan was arrested by police for allegedly assaulting his wife and threatening her.

He was later released on bail and the couple subsequently resolved the issue and she withdrew the case against him.

Cops will decide if Darshan is a habitual offender: Parameshwara

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said police have been given a free hand and action will be taken in accordance with law against popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his associates who were arrested in connection with a murder case.

He said the police will probe and decide whether Darshan is a "habitual offender," adding that they will accordingly invoke legal sections and take action.

"He (Darshan) was brought (from Mysuru to Bengaluru) on the information about his involvement in the murder and has been arrested, inquiry is on. Based on what comes from the inquiry, action will be taken. Law is equal for everyone whether it is Darshan or Parameshwara. So no one should take law into their hands," Parameshwara told reporters here.

Darshan, popularly known as "Challenging Star", and 12 of his close associates were arrested on 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 Pavithra Gowda, a close friend of Darshan and 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. Parameshwara said: "If Renukaswamy had posted something on social media about his female friend, he could have given a complaint.''