'Inspired' by Kannada actor-linked case, Bengaluru man thrashed for lewd texts

A young man identified as Kushal was allegedly abducted and assaulted by a group of 8–10 individuals in Bengaluru, after he reportedly sent obscene messages to his ex-girlfriend. The attackers stripped Kushal, used rods and sticks to thrash him, including his private parts, and recorded the entire assault on video.

The attack reportedly stemmed due to a relationship dispute. Kushal’s girlfriend of two years for over two years recently broke up with him and is said to have become close to another boy — which he allegedly could not accept.

According to police, the assault was plotted and carried out by the woman’s current boyfriend and his associates, who reportedly plotted the attack after Kushal’s messages. The accused lured him under the pretext of resolving the dispute, kidnapped him in a car, and took him to a secluded area near a lake where they stripped and beat him, targeting his private parts. The incident was filmed by the attackers.

A video of the assault shows one of the accused referencing the Renukaswamy murder case, allegedly saying, “This will end up like that case.” The accused also reportedly threatened to circulate the footage on social media.

The Soladevanahalli Police have arrested four individuals identified as Hemant, Yashwanth, Shivashankar, and Shashank Gowda. Further investigation is underway to trace other accused and examine digital evidence.

RENUKASWAMY MURDER CASE

The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2024 high-profile murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan. Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old man Chitradurga, was found dead with multiple injuries near a drain in Bengaluru’s Sumanahalli. He had allegedly sent obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda, an actor linked to Darshan, leading to his abduction, torture, and murder.

Four men initially surrendered, citing a financial dispute, but inconsistencies in their statements exposed a larger conspiracy involving actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, and 15 others. Darshan was arrested on June 11, 2024, for his alleged role in the killing.

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