The Kamakshipalya police have arrested three persons for allegedly threatening a prosecution witness in the high-profile Renukaswamy murder case, in which Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is a key accused.

The arrested persons are Puneeth, Suhas and Venu. Puneeth is himself a prosecution witness in the case. Police said he owns the SUV that was allegedly used to transport Renukaswamy’s body from a shed in R.R. Nagar to a stormwater drain at Kamakshipalya. After the vehicle was seized during the investigation, Puneeth was cited as a witness by the police.

According to police sources, Puneeth manages a fan page of actor Darshan called ‘D Company’ on Facebook. Suhas and Venu are members of the actor’s fan association in Tumakuru.

The trio is accused of threatening a prosecution witness in the Renukaswamy murder case through a WhatsApp call and allegedly pressuring him not to depose in court.

During a recent hearing, the witness informed the court about the alleged threats. Taking serious note of the complaint, the court directed the police to initiate appropriate legal action, and ensure adequate protection for prosecution witnesses.

Following the court’s directions, the Kamakshipalya police registered a case and arrested the three accused. They were subjected to a medical examination on July 2, and produced in court, where police sought their custody for further investigation.