Bengaluru Court Says Darshan, Other Accused Cannot Oppose Approver Plea in Fan Murder Case

Bengaluru — A Bengaluru court has ruled that Kannada actor Darshan and other defendants in the Renukaswamy murder case do not have to be heard on an application by co-accused Pradosh seeking to become an approver.

The 59th City Civil and Sessions Court said Monday that Darshan and the other accused cannot oppose Pradosh’s request simply by arguing that they could be adversely affected if he is granted pardon and allowed to testify for the prosecution.

The court has not yet ruled on Pradosh’s application itself, saying it will consider the request under the applicable legal provisions.

Pradosh, identified as accused No. 14 in the case, is currently in judicial custody. He has sought a pardon and permission to become an approver, saying he is prepared to disclose the full circumstances surrounding the alleged murder of Renukaswamy.

Darshan’s attorney had asked the court for an opportunity to oppose the application, arguing that the other accused could be affected if Pradosh were permitted to testify as an approver.

The Special Public Prosecutor opposed that request, maintaining that the decision on whether to pardon an accused and accept the person as an approver rests with the prosecution and the court. Prosecutors also argued that any alleged procedural or legal irregularities could be challenged at a later stage.

Two other defendants have also indicated that they intend to seek approver status.

Ravishankar, accused No. 8, and Vinay, accused No. 10, told the court that they plan to file separate applications seeking pardons and permission to become approvers. Both are currently free on bail.

Their attorneys asked the court to consider the proposed applications, but Pradosh’s counsel objected to combining them with his client’s request. His attorney argued that Pradosh’s statement should first be recorded before prosecutors decide how to proceed with applications from the other defendants.

Pradosh has separately asked the court for permission to participate in hearings by video conference from a room apart from the other accused. He is currently produced virtually from the same room as Darshan and other defendants.

The court has asked prosecutors to state their position on Pradosh’s application before it issues a ruling.

The case centers on the alleged abduction and killing of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a Darshan fan from Chitradurga. Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and 15 others have been arrested and charged in connection with the case.

Prosecutors allege that Renukaswamy was abducted and taken to Bengaluru in June 2024, where he was assaulted at a shed and later died from his injuries. His body was allegedly dumped near a stormwater drain on the outskirts of the city.

The case is being tried before a Bengaluru Sessions Court. The Supreme Court previously canceled Darshan’s bail and ordered his re-arrest, while directing prison authorities not to provide him with preferential treatment. (Source: IANS)