Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Two Accused Seek Approver Status in Renukaswamy Murder Case
In June 2024, a man named Renukaswamy from Chitradurga was hurt and died.
His remains were found on June 9 near a stormwater drain in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, India.
Police arrested 15 people, including famous Kannada movie actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, and Renukaswamy was reportedly a fan of the actor.
Now, one of the arrested men, Pradosh, wants to switch sides and help the court — in India, such a person is called an 'approver.'
Pradosh said he would tell the whole truth about the murder, what happened to the evidence, and what everyone else did.
He also asked to be kept in a separate cell because he is afraid of the other accused.
The special prosecutor agreed, but only if Pradosh tells everything honestly, while Darshan's lawyer said the court should follow all the rules first.
The judge will give the final answer on Monday, August 10, 2026.
News reports disagree about whether Darshan is currently out on bail or was denied bail.
Pradosh S (Accused No. 14) filed an 11-page petition under Section 307 of the CrPC before the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH-59) in Bengaluru seeking approver status.
He offered a 'full and truthful disclosure' of the alleged murder, disposal of evidence, and roles of all co-accused, and asked to be moved to a separate cell at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison citing fear of intimidation.
Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna P Kumar submitted a memo consenting to the pardon, provided Pradosh satisfies all legal conditions and makes a complete confession.
Senior advocate Hashmath Pasha, appearing for Darshan Thoogudeepa, opposed the plea, arguing that the defence was not given copies and that due procedure must be followed.
The court reserved its order on Pradosh's petition for Monday, August 10, 2026; co-accused Ravi Shankar (A8) and V Vinay (A10) also intend to seek approver status.
- Who
- Accused Pradosh S (Accused No. 14) and V Vinay (Accused No. 10) seeking approver status; Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa; Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna P Kumar; senior advocate Hashmath Pasha; co-accused Ravi Shankar (A8)
- What
- Two accused filed pleas to become approvers in the 2024 Renukaswamy murder case; the court reserved its order on Pradosh's petition for Monday, August 10, 2026
- When
- Petitions filed in early August 2026 (one report says Wednesday, another Thursday); the murder occurred in June 2024 and remains were found on June 9
- Where
- 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH-59), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Why
- Pradosh offered a 'full and truthful disclosure' of the alleged murder, evidence disposal, and co-accused roles in exchange for pardon as an approver
Defence (Darshan Thoogudeepa's legal team)
Prosecution (Special Public Prosecutor)
Granting approver status to Pradosh
Defence (Darshan Thoogudeepa's legal team)
Senior advocate Hashmath Pasha opposed the plea, arguing the defence was not given copies of the application and that pardon cannot be granted without following due procedure and properly recording statements.
Prosecution (Special Public Prosecutor)
SPP Prasanna P Kumar submitted a memo consenting to the pardon, saying it could be granted if Pradosh satisfies all legal conditions and makes a complete confession.
Value of accomplice testimony
Defence (Darshan Thoogudeepa's legal team)
Merely expressing willingness to testify does not automatically entitle an accused to a pardon; the defence insists on due process to protect the rights of Darshan and the other co-accused.
Prosecution (Special Public Prosecutor)
The prosecution supports the approver route, citing precedents such as the Yogesh Gowda murder case, to obtain a truthful and complete disclosure of all material facts relating to the offence.
- Case
- 2024 Renukaswamy murder case
- Victim
- Renukaswamy, 33, from Chitradurga; remains found in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, on June 9
- Approver applicant
- Pradosh S alias Pradosh Rao (Accused No. 14)
- Court
- 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH-59), Bengaluru
- Key provision
- Section 307 of the CrPC
- Prosecution stance
- SPP Prasanna P Kumar consented to pardon subject to legal conditions and a complete confession
- Others seeking approver status
- Ravi Shankar (A8) and V Vinay (A10)
- Next order
- Reserved for Monday, August 10, 2026
Sources
Renukaswamy murder case: More trouble for Kannada superstar Darshan? One accused offers ‘full and truthful disclosure’
Darshan Fan Renukaswamy Murder: 16th Accused Offers To Become Approver
Accused No. 14 seeks to turn approver; Darshan objects
