Bengaluru man abducted and assaulted in copycat crime inspired by actor Darshan case

In a disturbing incident in Bengaluru, a young man named Kushal was abducted and brutally assaulted by a group of eight to ten individuals for allegedly sending obscene messages to his ex-girlfriend. The attack, which reportedly mirrored the sensational Renukaswamy murder case involving actor Darshan, was filmed by one of the assailants.

The assault occurred after Kushal was lured to a location under the pretext of resolving a personal dispute. Instead, he was forcibly taken in a vehicle to an isolated area near a lake, where he was stripped, beaten, and targeted in his private parts. During the ordeal, the attackers referenced the Renukaswamy case, threatening Kushal with similar consequences.

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Police investigations revealed that Kushal had been in a two-year relationship with a college student, which ended months ago. Following the breakup, the woman began dating someone else. Allegedly upset by this development, Kushal sent her offensive messages. In retaliation, the woman, her new partner, and his friends are believed to have orchestrated the assault.

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, and further investigation is underway.

This incident draws parallels to the June murder of Renukaswamy, who was killed for reportedly sending lewd messages to Pavithra Gowda. Actor Darshan and 15 others were arrested in that case, which involved the kidnapping, torture, and murder of the 33-year-old victim. The crime has sparked concerns over rising vigilantism inspired by high-profile cases.