Renukaswamy murder case: Approver Pradosh's statement recorded for 2nd day in Bengaluru court
Synopsis
The Renukaswamy murder trial reached a critical juncture as approver Pradosh entered day two of his testimony at a Bengaluru court, reportedly deposing in favour of the prosecution without hesitation — even as Kannada actor Darshan's legal team escalated its challenge to the Supreme Court, filing an SLP to halt the proceedings.
Key Takeaways
Accused-turned-approver Pradosh appeared at Bengaluru's 59th CCH on 29 September 2026 for a second consecutive day of statement recording.
His testimony is expected to cover events at the Pattanagere shed , disposal of the body, and an alleged payment of ₹30 lakh for that disposal.
Actor Darshan and partner Pavithra Gowda , both in jail, are attending proceedings via video conferencing .
Senior advocate Hashmat Pasha filed an SLP before the Supreme Court challenging Pradosh's approver status and seeking a stay.
Police deployed heavy security around the court amid reported threats to Pradosh from Darshan's fans.
The case stems from the alleged killing of 35-year-old Renukaswamy in Bengaluru in June 2024 .
Accused-turned-approver Pradosh was brought to the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH) in Bengaluru on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, under heavy police escort for the second consecutive day of statement recording in the Renukaswamy murder case — the high-profile trial involving Kannada actor Darshan. Pradosh, who is also listed as the 29th witness in the case, is expected to complete his deposition before the court on Tuesday.
What Pradosh's Statement Covers
The court is set to record Pradosh's account of how actor Darshan was introduced to him and the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged killing. His testimony is expected to detail the events at a shed in Pattanagere where Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured and killed, who was present at the time, and where Pradosh himself was when the murder took place.
According to sources, the statement will also cover the alleged shifting and disposal of the body, an alleged payment of ₹30 lakh to arrange that disposal, and the purported surrender of individuals presented as false accused in the case. Personnel from the City Armed Reserve (CAR) and Kamakshipalya police escorted Pradosh to court, while Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Prasannakumar was present during the proceedings.
Darshan and Pavithra Attend via Video Conference
Actor Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda, both lodged in jail in connection with the case, are attending the proceedings via video conferencing. On Monday, proceedings lasted nearly three hours and were conducted in-camera, after which the court adjourned to Tuesday for continuation.
Notably, the court on Monday also dismissed a memo petition filed by Darshan seeking a two-day postponement of Pradosh's statement recording. Darshan's counsel had sought the delay intending to approach the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court's decision upholding Pradosh's approver status.
Supreme Court SLP Filed by Darshan's Legal Team
Senior advocate Hashmat Pasha, appearing for Darshan, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court challenging Pradosh's status as an approver and seeking a stay on proceedings. 'We had approached the trial court challenging Pradosh's being made an approver. However, as the trial court did not accept our plea, we have filed an SLP before the Supreme Court,' Pasha said.
This marks an escalation of the legal battle around Pradosh's testimony, which prosecution sources believe could be pivotal given concerns that some other key witnesses may turn hostile.
Security Heightened Amid Threats from Darshan's Fans
Police have made elaborate security arrangements in and around the court premises following reported threats to Pradosh from Darshan's fan groups. According to sources, Pradosh has so far deposed in favour of the prosecution without hesitation, though his testimony will face cross-examination at a later stage of the trial.
Background: The Renukaswamy Murder Case
The case centres on the alleged killing of 35-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Kannada actor Darshan, in Bengaluru in June 2024. The prosecution alleges that Renukaswamy was abducted, assaulted, and killed after he allegedly sent vulgar messages to Darshan's partner, Pavithra Gowda, with his body later recovered in the Kamakshipalya area. Darshan and several others were subsequently arrested and are currently facing trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Pradosh and why is his statement important in the Renukaswamy murder case?
Pradosh is an accused-turned-approver and the 29th listed witness in the Renukaswamy murder case. His testimony is considered critical for the prosecution because he is expected to provide first-hand details about the alleged torture and killing at a Pattanagere shed, the disposal of the body, and an alleged ₹30 lakh payment — evidence that could directly implicate actor Darshan and the other accused.
What is the Renukaswamy murder case?
The case involves the alleged abduction, torture, and killing of 35-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Kannada actor Darshan, in Bengaluru in June 2024. The prosecution alleges Renukaswamy was targeted after he sent vulgar messages to Darshan's partner, Pavithra Gowda, and that his body was later found in the Kamakshipalya area.
Why has Darshan's legal team filed an SLP before the Supreme Court?
Senior advocate Hashmat Pasha filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court challenging Pradosh's status as an approver and seeking a stay on the proceedings. The move came after both the trial court and the Karnataka High Court declined to accept Darshan's plea against Pradosh's approver designation.
What security arrangements have been made during Pradosh's court appearance?
Police have deployed City Armed Reserve (CAR) personnel and Kamakshipalya police to escort Pradosh, with elaborate security arrangements in and around the court premises. The heightened security follows reported threats to Pradosh from Darshan's fan groups.
How is actor Darshan participating in the trial while in jail?
Darshan and his partner Pavithra Gowda, both lodged in jail in connection with the case, are attending court proceedings via video conferencing. The trial court on Monday dismissed Darshan's petition seeking a two-day postponement of Pradosh's statement recording.
