Published Aug 25, 2026 | 7:38 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 25, 2026 | 7:38 PM
Actor Darshan and his friend Pavithra Gowda
Synopsis: A Bengaluru court on Tuesday allowed accused No. 14 Pradosh S to turn approver in the Renukaswamy murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, allowing him to testify for the prosecution subject to conditions.
The 59th City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru on Tuesday, 25 August, allowed accused No 14, Pradosh S, to turn approver in the Renukaswamy murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and others.
The court accepted Pradosh’s plea seeking pardon on the condition that he make a full and truthful disclosure of all facts within his knowledge relating to the case. He has also been directed to remain in judicial custody until the conclusion of the trial, reports said.
Pradosh had filed an 11-page application under Section 307 of the CrPC, offering to disclose details about the alleged murder, disposal of evidence and the involvement of the co-accused.
Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna P Kumar had told the court that the prosecution had no objection to granting Pradosh approver status, provided he fulfilled the legal requirements and made a complete disclosure.
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Darshan had opposed Pradosh’s move and sought the right to be heard in the proceedings. On 13 August, the Karnataka High Court rejected his challenge, holding that a co-accused does not have a right to be heard at this stage of pardon proceedings.
With the court granting his plea, Pradosh can now testify for the prosecution during the trial. His testimony will be subject to scrutiny and cross-examination.
According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, was allegedly abducted and tortured before his body was found in Bengaluru in June 2024. The prosecution has alleged that the killing followed obscene messages allegedly sent by Renukaswamy to Pavithra Gowda, Darshan’s friend.
Darshan, Pavithra and several others are facing trial in the case.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
