Karnataka High Court to Hear Darshan's Appeal in Murder Case

Darshan Challenges Court's Decision

Bengaluru, September 1: Kannada film star Darshan, currently incarcerated in connection with the Renukaswamy murder investigation, has filed an appeal with the Karnataka High Court. He is contesting a trial court's ruling that permits accused No. 14, Pradosh, to become an approver in the case.

In his appeal, Darshan questions the decision to grant Pradosh the status of an approver, naming him as a respondent. The Karnataka High Court is anticipated to address Darshan's petition on Tuesday (September 1).

Darshan's plea also raises concerns regarding the legal and procedural aspects of the trial court's acceptance of Pradosh's request to become an approver. He is seeking a stay on the trial court's ruling.

The trial court has already summoned Pradosh to provide his statement as a witness following the approval of his request to become an approver.

Darshan argues that the order permitting Pradosh to become an approver warrants careful examination on both legal and procedural grounds.

Pradosh is one of the individuals charged in the case concerning the murder of Renukaswamy, whose remains were discovered in Bengaluru in June 2024. Darshan, along with several others, faces accusations in this ongoing police investigation.

On August 25, the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru accepted Pradosh's petition to become an approver and granted him a conditional pardon.

Both the Karnataka High Court and the trial court have determined that Darshan and other co-accused lack the legal standing to engage in or contest pardon proceedings, emphasizing that a co-accused's rights only emerge during cross-examination after testimony is recorded.

Pradosh's anticipated full disclosure and insider testimony regarding the events, evidence handling, and the alleged involvement of co-accused could significantly strengthen the prosecution's case in this high-profile murder investigation.

The case revolves around the abduction, torture, and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga in June 2024, whose body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru after he reportedly sent inappropriate messages to Pavithra Gowda.