Bengaluru/IBNS: The parents of Renukaswamy, who was allegedly murdered by Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his aides, said the disturbing pictures of the victim pleading for mercy left their pregnant daughter-in-law "shaken", media reports said.

A picture on Thursday emerged where Renukaswamy, who was tortured and mercilessly killed, was seen shirtless pleading for mercy and in tears.

"He was tortured beyond tolerance," Renukaswamy's father said as quoted by Times Now.

The photographs have been accessed from one of the accused's mobile phones.

Darshan, his girlfriend Pavithra Gowda are among 17 people who have been arrested for allegedly planning and executing the murder.

About the murder case

According to police, the victim had posted an objectionable comment on Kannada actress Pavithra Gowda's Instagram handle accusing her of causing a rift between Thoogudeepa and his wife Vijaya Lakshmi.

This happened after Pavithra posted an Instagram video celebrating his 10-year relationship with Darshan, who has been married to Vijaya Lakshmi for 20 years.

Darshan's aides reportedly carried Renukaswamy in a taxi from Chitradurga to their Bengaluru hideout where they tortured the victim to death.

After allegedly beating to death, Renukaswamy's body was dumped in a stormwater drain at an area which falls under Kamakshipalya Police Station.

Police reportedly got to know from a food delivery man who saw a dog eating the body of the victim.