Bengaluru court will hear the second day of testimony from Pradosh, an accused who turned approver in the murder case of Renukaswamy, on Tuesday. escorted by City Armed Reserve personnel and officers from Kamakshipalya police, he arrived at the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH) for the scheduled recording of his statement.
Listed as the 29th witness, Pradosh is expected to detail how Kannada film star Darshan was introduced to him, his whereabouts at the time of the killing, and the identities of those present at the Pattanagere shed where the victim was allegedly tortured and killed. His account should also cover the disposal of the body, the alleged payment of Rs 30 lakh for that purpose, and the surrender of persons presented as false accused.
Special Public Prosecutor Prasannakumar will attend the proceedings. Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda, both lodged in jail in connection with the case, are slated to appear via video link. Sources say Pradosh has so far spoken in favour of the prosecution without hesitation, though his testimony will later be subject to cross‑examination.
Police have deployed extensive security around the courtroom amid reports of threats from Darshan supporters. Earlier on Monday, Pradosh Rao’s statement was recorded for nearly three hours in‑camera before the court adjourned the matter to continue on Tuesday.
Senior advocate Hashmat Pasha, representing Darshan, filed a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court challenging Pradosh’s status as an approver and seeking a stay on the recording of his statement. The petition follows a trial‑court rejection of Darshan’s request to postpone the testimony.
The case revolves around the June 2024 killing of 35‑year‑old Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, who allegedly sent vulgar messages to Pavithra Gowda. The prosecution alleges the fan was abducted, assaulted and killed, with his body later recovered from the Kamakshipalya area. Several arrests, including Darshan’s, have been made and the trial continues.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean News