Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Court Approves Pradosh as Approver in Darshan Murder Case
A court allowed Pradosh Rao, who was accused in a murder case, to become an approver.
An approver is an accused person who agrees to tell the court what they know.
The case involves the alleged killing of Renukaswamy in Bengaluru in June 2024.
Actor Darshan and several others are accused in the case.
Rao’s application described an alleged assault at a shed in Pattanagere.
He must tell the whole truth about what happened.
If he hides important facts, he can lose the pardon and become an accused again.
The court also said Darshan must attend proceedings through video conference instead of appearing in person.
The Bengaluru sessions court approved co-accused Pradosh Rao’s request to become an approver in the Renukaswamy murder case.
Rao must disclose all facts he knows and could become an accused again if he suppresses the truth.
Actor Darshan’s High Court challenge to Rao’s approver application was dismissed.
Rao’s application alleged that Darshan and others assaulted Renukaswamy at a shed in Pattanagere before his body was moved.
The Sessions Court rejected Darshan’s request for personal appearances, directing him and other accused to attend proceedings by video conference.
- Who
- Pradosh Rao became an approver in a case involving actor Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and other accused.
- What
- A Bengaluru sessions court approved Rao’s application to become a prosecution witness in the alleged murder of Renukaswamy and rejected Darshan’s request for personal court appearances.
- When
- The approver application was approved on Tuesday; the alleged killing occurred in June 2024, and Darshan’s personal-appearance request was rejected the previous week.
- Where
- The proceedings are before the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru; the alleged assault occurred at a shed in Pattanagere.
- Why
- The prosecution case concerns Renukaswamy’s alleged killing after a dispute reportedly linked to messages sent to Pavithra Gowda.
Prosecution and Approver Account
Darshan’s Defense
Pradosh Rao’s role in the case
Prosecution and Approver Account
Rao sought approver status and may provide evidence about the circumstances surrounding Renukaswamy’s alleged killing. His application alleged that Darshan and others assaulted Renukaswamy at a Pattanagere shed.
Darshan’s Defense
Darshan challenged Rao’s application before the High Court, but the petition was dismissed and the Sessions Court approved Rao as an approver.
Personal appearance during proceedings
Prosecution and Approver Account
The court directed the accused to attend proceedings through video conference while ensuring they have adequate opportunities to consult their lawyers, including confidentially.
Darshan’s Defense
Darshan’s lawyer sought permission for him to appear personally, particularly during witness cross-examinations, arguing that his presence could help the court obtain necessary information. The request was rejected.
- Court
- 59th City Civil and Sessions Court, Bengaluru
- Approver
- Pradosh Rao
- Victim
- 35-year-old Renukaswamy of Chitradurga
- Alleged killing
- June 2024 in Bengaluru
- Approver condition
- Rao must disclose all known facts and not suppress the truth
- Consequence of violating conditions
- Rao could lose his pardon and be treated as an accused again
- Darshan’s court attendance
- The court directed him and the other accused to participate through video conference
