Bengaluru, September 28, 2026 (IANS)
The statement of Pradosh Rao, an accused-turned-approver in the Renukaswamy murder case, was recorded for nearly three hours in an in-camera hearing at a Bengaluru court on Monday. The proceedings were adjourned to Tuesday to allow the recording of his statement to continue.
Pradosh, who was initially named as accused number 14 in the case, was brought to the City Civil and Sessions Court under tight security. Following the proceedings, he was taken back to Parappana Agrahara Central Prison under police escort.
Jailed Kannada actor Darshan and his partner, Pavithra Gowda, attended the proceedings through video conference from Bengaluru Central Prison.
The statement was lengthy and required Pradosh’s signature. Following a request by Special Public Prosecutor Prasannakumar, the court adjourned the hearing to Tuesday. Pradosh is recording his statement after being granted permission to turn approver in the case and is expected to detail the events surrounding the alleged assault and murder of Renukaswamy, along with his interactions with the other accused.
Meanwhile, senior advocate Hashmat Pasha, representing Darshan, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging the decision to make Pradosh an approver and seeking a stay on the recording of his statement.
Pasha said Darshan’s legal team had earlier challenged Pradosh’s approver status before the trial court, but its plea was rejected.
“We had approached the trial court challenging Pradosh being made an approver. However, as the trial court did not accept our plea, we have filed an SLP before the Supreme Court,” Pasha said.
Darshan’s counsel had also challenged the decision before the Karnataka High Court, but the petition was not entertained.
On Monday, the trial court dismissed a memo petition filed by Darshan seeking a two-day postponement of Pradosh’s statement. The defence had said it intended to approach the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court’s decision on Pradosh’s status as an approver.
The recording of Pradosh’s statement is expected to resume on Tuesday and may be completed after the remaining portions are recorded.
Police made elaborate security arrangements in and around the court premises amid reported threats to Pradosh from Darshan’s fans. Central Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone, Akshay M. Hakay, deployed one Assistant Commissioner of Police, three police inspectors, eight sub-inspectors and more than 40 police personnel for security.
Pradosh, who is lodged at Bengaluru Central Prison, is expected to be brought to court on Tuesday under the escort of Kamakshipalya police, which registered and investigated the case, along with prison authorities.
The case pertains to the alleged murder of 35-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, in Bengaluru in June 2024. According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted, assaulted and killed, and his body was later found in the Kamakshipalya area.
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and several others were arrested in connection with the case and are facing trial. The prosecution has alleged that Renukaswamy was targeted after sending vulgar messages to Pavithra Gowda.
FOLLOW NOW
