In a chilling act of vigilante violence, a college student in Bengaluru was kidnapped, stripped, and viciously beaten by a group of young men who allegedly mimicked the recent high-profile murder of Renukaswamy, which involved actor Darshan. The victim, identified as Kushal, was accused of sending obscene messages to his former girlfriend, which reportedly triggered the assault.
The disturbing incident took place on June 30 in Soladevanahalli, located in the Nelamangala region near the city. According to police reports, Kushal had been in a relationship with a college girl for two years before the couple parted ways. She later began dating someone else, which is believed to have upset Kushal, prompting him to send her inappropriate messages.
Enraged by Kushal’s actions, the girl allegedly informed her current boyfriend, who, along with several of his associates, devised a violent plan to confront him. Under the guise of settling the matter peacefully, the group called Kushal to a pre-decided location, where he was abducted, forced into a car, and taken to a remote area near a lake.
‘You Are Renukaswamy’: Brutal Assault Filmed in Bengaluru
Once there, the attackers stripped him naked and assaulted him with sticks and rods, focusing much of the violence on his private parts. Throughout the assault, the men laughed, filmed the abuse, and issued threats. In the video that later surfaced on social media, one of them is heard referencing the infamous actor Darshan-linked murder case: “He is Renukaswamy, and we are accused number one, two, and three.” Another attacker can be heard saying, “This will end up like that case,” drawing direct comparisons to the earlier killing.
Police say that the violent episode was more than just revenge — it appeared to be a copycat act inspired by the brutal murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, whose body was discovered with multiple injuries near a drain in Bengaluru’s Sumanahalli area in June. He had allegedly sent obscene messages to actress Pavithra Gowda, leading to his abduction and death. The case, which shocked the state, resulted in the arrest of Kannada actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and over a dozen others.
In Kushal’s case, Soladevanahalli police acted promptly after the assault video went viral. Eight individuals have so far been taken into custody. A senior officer confirmed, “We have arrested all the eight accused on charges of robbery and kidnapping.” Those arrested include Hemant, Yashwanth, Shivashankar, and Shashank Gowda.
Investigation Deepens; Public Urged Not to Share Recorded Footage
Authorities are continuing to probe the case, reviewing phone records, chat histories, and digital content related to the incident. Police are also warning the public against circulating the assault video due to its graphic content and legal implications.
The violent assault has sparked public outrage, especially over the attackers’ apparent glorification of a recent murder. It also raises concerns about the ripple effects of high-profile crimes and how they may embolden others to replicate such brutality in the name of personal justice.
