Darshan is not the type of person to commit such a crime: Sumalatha Ambareesh backs actor in Renukaswamy murder case

After facing criticism for remaining mum on the case, Sumalatha, who is close to Darshan, said as quoted by Hindustan Times, "You do not understand the bond between my family and Darshan's family. I have known him for 25 years, even before he became a star.

"Beyond his stardom, Darshan is like a family member to me, like a son. He always referred to Ambareesh as his father and gave me a special place in his life. No mother likes to see her son in such a situation."

She added, " I know Darshan as a man with a loving and generous heart. His compassion for animals and willingness to help those in need testify to his character. I believe Darshan is not the type of person to commit such a crime."

Genesis of the murder

According to police, the victim had posted an objectionable comment on Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda's Instagram handle accusing her of causing a rift between Thoogudeepa and his wife Vijaya Lakshmi.

This happened after Pavithra posted an Instagram video celebrating his 10-year relationship with Darshan, who has been married to Vijaya Lakshmi for 20 years.

Darshan's aides reportedly carried Renukaswamy in a taxi from Chitradurga to their Bengaluru hideout where they tortured the victim to death.

After allegedly beating to death, Renukaswamy's body was dumped in a stormwater drain at an area which falls under Kamakshipalya Police Station.

Police reportedly got to know from a food delivery man who saw a dog eating the body of the victim.