In a new twist in the kidnap and murder case against Kannada actor Darshan, photos allegedly showing the victim Renukaswamy being tortured before his death have surfaced on Thursday. The photos emerged after the Karnataka Police submitted a 3,991-page chargesheet in the murder case on Wednesday.

According to news agency IANS, one of the photos shows Renukaswamy, shirtless and sitting on the ground in front of parked trucks, in tears. Another image shows him unconscious in front of a truck wearing a vest and blue jeans.

IANS sources said the photos were found on the phone of Darshan’s aide Pavan and were collected as evidence by the police department. The Karnataka police have not issued any official statement regarding the leaked photos.

Sources say that Pavan, who is also an accused in the case, took the photos of Renukaswamy after kidnapping, assaulting and keeping him at a shed. Pavan, then, went to a club where Darshan was partying with friends and showed him the photos. After seeing the photos, Darshan went to actor Pavithra Gowda’s home and brought her to the shed where they continued the assault on Renukaswamy, IANS sources said.

In its chargesheet, the Karnataka Police detailed the alleged brutal torture before his death.

“After being assaulted by Darshan and his gang, Renukaswamy’s chest bones were broken. There are a total of 39 injury marks all over his body. There is also a deep cut on the victim’s head,” the chargesheet read.

It also said that Darshan and his aides used an electrical device to deliver electric shocks to Renukaswamy’s private parts to jolt him awake when he passed out from pain after being repeatedly assaulted.

“After committing the murder, Darshan and the other accused used their influence and money to dispose of the body and attempted to destroy evidence. They also tried to frame other individuals to escape charges,” the chargesheet said.

The Kannada actor is among 17 people, including his friend actor Pavithra Gowda, who are in judicial custody in connection with the murder of his fan Renukaswamy.

The 33-year-old fan had allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, after which he was allegedly beaten to death. His body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru’s Sumanahalli on June 9.

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, who is in judicial custody, in a murder case is being shifted to the Bellary jail after a picture went viral where the actor was seen hanging out with three others at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail in Karnataka. The picture sparked a massive row over the alleged special treatment being given to the actor. 

A court in Bengaluru gave the order to shift the accused after the picture went viral where the actor in the grey t-shirt was holding a cup in his hand and hanging out with inmates. The jail authorities were asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Darshan, currently lodged in Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central jail, is holding a cup in his right hand and a cigarette in the other, shows the picture, and his gaze appears to be fixed on something in the distance.

To his right, is gangster Wilson Garden Naga, and other inmates Nagaraj (Darshan’s manager and co-accused) and Kulla Seena. They appear to be looking at something and a hint of smile is visible on their faces.

The other accused in the case will be shifted to a different jail in Karnataka. Actor Darshan’s girlfriend, Pavitra Gowda, who is also accused in the murder case will remain in Bangalore jail.

Read more: Kannada Actor Arrested For Alleged Role In Murder Over Obscene Texts

In July, the Karnataka High Court underlined that all citizens and undertrial prisoners are entitled to a nutritious diet, without any distinctions based on their social or financial status, while hearing a petition filed by the Kannada actor.

Darshan had challenged a magistrate court order that rejected his request for home-cooked food, bedding, and cutlery in prison.

The picture raises doubts whether Darshan – who was arrested in June in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy who allegedly sent obscene texts to his co-star – and his companions were allegedly being provided special facilities inside the jail.

A total of 17 people, including Darshan along with his friend Pavithra Gowda, are in judicial custody in connection with the murder of Renukaswamy.

According to police sources, 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor, had sent obscene messages to Gowda, which enraged Darshan, allegedly leading to the fan’s murder. His body was found near a stormwater drain next to an apartment in Sumanahalli on June 9.

Kashinath S Shivanagowdru, Renukaswamy’s father, has demanded a CBI probe and punishment for those behind it.