Bengaluru police, currently investigating the murder of Renukaswamy, announced the arrest of another suspect on Monday, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to 17.


S Girish, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), who is leading the investigation, confirmed that Raju, also known as Dhanraj, was taken into custody on Monday morning. Raju had been listed as accused number nine in the initial remand application submitted to the magistrate.


The police have conducted searches at the homes of several suspects, including Darshan and Pavithra, uncovering material evidence such as clothing items and impounding multiple vehicles believed to have been used in the crime.


Actor Kiccha Sudeep responded to the recent developments, emphasizing the need for justice for Renukaswamy and his family. "His family deserves justice," Sudeep stated. "Renukaswamy, his wife, and their unborn child must all receive justice. Ensuring justice is vital for maintaining faith in the system. Our hearts go out to his family."


Renukaswamy's body was discovered on June 9 near a stormwater drain adjacent to an apartment complex in Sumanahalli. On the same day, four suspects surrendered to the police, admitting to the murder, which they claimed was motivated by a financial dispute.


Three other suspects—Ravi, Jagadish alias Jagga, and Anu Kumar—later surrendered to the police in Chitradurga. Further investigation uncovered a larger conspiracy involving Darshan, Pavithra, and others. Authorities revealed that Renukaswamy had sent inappropriate messages and posted objectionable comments on Pavithra's social media.


Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured after being brought to the city by another suspect, Raghavendra. He was branded with metal and subjected to electric shocks at a shed in RR Nagar before his body was disposed of. 


The additional individuals arrested in connection with the case include Deepak Kumar M, Nandish, Nikhil Nayak, Vinay V, Nagaraju R, Laxman M, Pradosh S, Pawan K, Raghavendra, Karthik, Keshava Murthy, Ravi, Anu Kumar, and Jagadish alias Jagga,