Bengaluru, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Karnataka Police investigating the alleged abduction and intimidation of Sandeep, a key witness in the Renukaswamy murder case involving actor Darshan, have traced two industrialists suspected of playing a role in the alleged threats issued to him.
The two men have been identified as Kiran and Gaurav Shetty, according to police sources. Investigators are also examining the alleged involvement of an influential woman who reportedly contacted one of the accused before the threats were made.
Sandeep, a bar cashier and the 49th witness in the murder trial, had allegedly been forced into a car and threatened with serious consequences. Kamakshipalya police subsequently registered a case and began investigating the incident.
Police had earlier arrested three persons — Puneeth, Suhas and Venu — in connection with the alleged intimidation. Investigators seized Puneeth’s mobile phone and recovered WhatsApp data from it before sending the material to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
According to police sources, forensic examination of the digital evidence helped establish communication between Puneeth and the two industrialists. Investigators suspect that Kiran and Gaurav were on a conference call with Puneeth when Sandeep was allegedly threatened.
Police are also looking into the role of the woman, who allegedly contacted Puneeth before the industrialists approached him and instructed him to follow their directions.
Investigators suspect the alleged intimidation was intended to pressure Sandeep and prevent him from sharing information or giving evidence in the murder case. Further technical and forensic reports are awaited before police decide on the next course of action.
The Renukaswamy case concerns the alleged abduction and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a Darshan fan from Chitradurga. According to the prosecution, he was allegedly brought to Bengaluru in June 2024, assaulted at a shed and later died from his injuries. His body was allegedly dumped near a stormwater drain on the outskirts of the city.
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and 15 others have been arrested and charge-sheeted in the case, which is being tried before the Bengaluru Sessions Court. The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled Darshan’s bail and ordered his immediate re-arrest, while directing that he not receive VIP treatment in prison.
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