Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Darshan Challenges Pradosh’s Approver Status in Murder Case
Actor Darshan is accused in the killing of his fan Renukaswamy.
Another accused person, Pradosh, has been allowed to become an approver.
This means Pradosh can give evidence for the prosecution.
He is expected to explain what allegedly happened and what the other accused may have done.
A trial court gave him conditional pardon and called him to record his statement.
Darshan has asked the Karnataka High Court to review and pause that decision.
Darshan’s lawyers say the trial court may not have followed the correct legal process.
Courts have said that the other accused can challenge Pradosh’s evidence during cross-examination.
Actor Darshan has approached the Karnataka High Court against a trial court order allowing co-accused Pradosh to become an approver.
The Bengaluru trial court granted Pradosh conditional pardon on August 25 and summoned him to testify.
Darshan is seeking a stay and has questioned the legal and procedural basis of the order.
Pradosh has offered a full disclosure about the alleged killing, evidence disposal and roles of other accused.
The case concerns the June 2024 abduction, torture and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy in Bengaluru.
- Who
- Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa has challenged the decision involving co-accused Pradosh S Rao, also identified as accused No. 14. Renukaswamy was the murder victim.
- What
- Darshan is challenging the trial court’s order granting Pradosh conditional pardon and approver status.
- When
- The trial court accepted Pradosh’s request on August 25; the alleged murder occurred in June 2024. Reports say the High Court was expected to consider Darshan’s petition on September 1, while another report says an urgent hearing request was declined and consideration was posted for the following day.
- Where
- The proceedings are before the Karnataka High Court and the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru. Renukaswamy’s body was found near a stormwater drain in Bengaluru.
- Why
- Darshan says the approver order should be scrutinized on legal and procedural grounds and has sought a stay. Pradosh’s proposed testimony could provide the prosecution with an account of the alleged events, evidence disposal and roles of co-accused.
Darshan’s challenge
Approver process and prosecution case
Legality of the order
Darshan’s challenge
Darshan’s counsel argues that the trial court’s decision requires scrutiny because of the legal and technical grounds and procedure used to approve Pradosh as an approver.
Approver process and prosecution case
The trial court accepted Pradosh’s application and granted conditional pardon after the prosecution consented, subject to legal conditions and a complete disclosure.
Use of background reports
Darshan’s challenge
Darshan’s counsel argues that a report on Pradosh’s antecedents, family and likelihood of falsely implicating others was associated with sentencing under the Probation of Offenders Act, not the trial stage or an approver application.
Approver process and prosecution case
The reports describe the material considered by the trial court; the articles do not provide a separate prosecution response to this specific objection.
Role of the other accused
Darshan’s challenge
Darshan and other co-accused sought to challenge the approver decision and its potential effect on the case.
Approver process and prosecution case
The Karnataka High Court and trial court have held that co-accused cannot participate in or oppose pardon proceedings, but may cross-examine Pradosh after his testimony is recorded.
- Victim
- Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old resident of Chitradurga
- Trial court
- 59th City Civil and Sessions Court, Bengaluru
- Approver
- Pradosh S Rao, identified as accused No. 14
- Pardon decision
- Conditional pardon granted on August 25
- Proposed testimony
- Pradosh offered a full and truthful disclosure about the alleged murder, disposal of evidence and roles of co-accused
- Darshan’s request
- A stay of the trial court’s order and review of its legal and procedural basis
- Court position
- The courts have held that co-accused do not have a legal right to oppose pardon proceedings, with their right arising during cross-examination
Sources
Renukaswamy murder: Court may cancel approver status of Darshan’s co-accused
Renukaswamy Murder Case: Darshan Moves High Court Over Pradosh Turning Approver
Renukaswamy murder case: Actor Darshan challenges order allowing co-accused Pradosh to turn approver
