Fan murder case: Approver Pradosh’s statement to be recorded for 2nd day in B’luru court

Bengaluru, Sep 29 (IANS) Pradosh, an accused-turned-approver in the Renukaswamy murder case, was brought to the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court (CCH) in Bengaluru on Tuesday under police escort for the recording of his statement.

Personnel from the City Armed Reserve (CAR) and Kamakshipalya police escorted Pradosh to the court, which is scheduled to record his statement for the second consecutive day. He is also listed as the 29th witness in the case.

The court is expected to record Pradosh’s account of how actor Darshan was introduced to him, where he was when the murder took place, and who was present at the shed in Pattanagere where Renukaswamy was allegedly tortured and killed.

His statement is also expected to cover the events at the shed, the shifting and disposal of the body, the alleged payment of Rs 30 lakh to arrange for the disposal of the body, and the surrender of people allegedly presented as the false accused in the case.

Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Prasannakumar will be present during the proceedings. Actor Darshan and his partner, Pavithra Gowda, who are lodged in jail in connection with the case, are expected to attend the proceedings through video conferencing. The recording of the statement is likely to be completed on Tuesday.

According to sources, Pradosh has so far deposed in favour of the prosecution without hesitation. His testimony is expected to be examined further during cross-examination at a later stage of the trial.

Police sources said there were concerns that some key witnesses in the case might turn hostile. Against this backdrop, Pradosh’s testimony could assume significance for the prosecution in its case against Darshan and the other accused.

The police have made elaborate security arrangements in and around the court premises in view of alleged threats to Pradosh from Darshan’s fans.

It can be recalled that the statement of accused-turned-approver Pradosh Rao in the Renukaswamy murder case was recorded for nearly three hours before the court on Monday, with the proceedings being held in-camera. The court had adjourned the matter to Tuesday for continued recording of his statement.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Hashmat Pasha, appearing for actor Darshan, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court challenging Pradosh’s being made an approver and seeking a stay on the proceedings concerning his statement.

Pasha said Darshan’s legal team had earlier approached the trial court, challenging Pradosh’s status as an approver.

“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,” he added.

The Renukaswamy murder case concerns the alleged killing of 35-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of Kannada actor Darshan, in Bengaluru in June 2024.

According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted, assaulted and killed, with his body later being found in the Kamakshipalya area.

Actor Darshan and several others were arrested in connection with the case and are facing trial.

The prosecution has alleged that Renukaswamy was targeted after he sent some vulgar messages to Darshan’s partner, Pavithra Gowda.

The court on Monday dismissed a memo petition filed by actor Darshan seeking to postpone the recording of Pradosh’s statement as an approver.

The plea was filed seeking a two-day postponement, with Darshan’s counsel saying that they intended to approach the Supreme Court against the Karnataka High Court’s decision dismissing Darshan’s petition challenging Pradosh’s status as an approver.

–IANS

mka/dpb