A trial court in Bengaluru has rejected a plea filed by Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa seeking to defer the recording of co-accused Pradosh’s approver statement in the Renukaswamy murder case. The court’s dismissal allows the judicial magistrate to proceed with recording the crucial confession, marking a significant development in the high-profile criminal investigation involving the actor and his associates.Court Dismisses Defense Motion to Defer StatementDuring the hearing at the Bengaluru magistrate court, legal counsel representing primary accused Darshan filed an application requesting a temporary stay on recording the confession of Pradosh, one of the co-accused in the murder case. The defense argued that recording an approver statement before the completion of certain procedural cross-examinations and charge sheet clarifications could prejudice the trial and impact fair defense rights.However, the prosecution strongly opposed the defense's application, contending that any attempt to stall or delay the recording of an approver’s statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) / Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) undermines the judicial process.After evaluating arguments from both sides, the presiding judge rejected Darshan’s plea, ruling that the magistrate possesses full statutory authority to record an approver's voluntary disclosure without unnecessary procedural delays.The Significance of Pradosh's Approver TurnIn criminal jurisprudence, when an accused person turns approver, they offer to give a full and true disclosure of all circumstances within their knowledge relative to the crime and every other person involved, in exchange for a judicial pardon or reduced sentence recommendation under legal provisions.Pradosh, who was named as one of the key co-accused in the kidnapping and fatal assault of 33-year-old fan Renukaswamy, previously expressed his willingness to turn approver and testify for the prosecution. Legal experts note that an approver's testimony recorded directly before a magistrate carries substantial evidentiary weight during trial, as it provides firsthand insider testimony detailing the sequence of events, conspiracy meetings, and destruction of evidence.Case Overview: Key ParametersAspectDetailsCase SubjectRenukaswamy Murder InvestigationPrimary AccusedDarshan Thoogudeepa (Actor) & Pavithra GowdaKey Co-Accused / ApproverPradoshCourt ActionDismissed Darshan's plea to delay approver statementInvestigating AgencyBengaluru City PoliceBackground of the Renukaswamy Murder CaseThe case pertains to the horrific death of Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old resident of Chitradurga and a fan of actor Darshan. According to the charge sheet submitted by the Bengaluru City Police, Renukaswamy was allegedly abducted from Chitradurga, brought to a shed in Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, and subjected to severe physical torture resulting in his death.The police investigation revealed that the victim was targeted over derogatory and offensive messages he allegedly sent on social media to actress Pavithra Gowda, a close friend of Darshan. Following the assault, the victim's body was dumped in a nearby storm-water drain.Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Darshan, Pavithra Gowda, Pradosh, and several other associates under charges of murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.Next Steps in Judicial ProceedingsWith the court rejecting Darshan's delay petition, the magistrate court will proceed to record Pradosh’s formal approver confession under strict judicial oversight to ensure the statement is made voluntarily and free of coercion.Once the statement is formally recorded, the prosecution plans to use it as a foundational pillar alongside digital forensics, cell tower location logs, DNA reports, and CCTV footage gathered during the investigation. Meanwhile, defense lawyers for Darshan and other accused parties are expected to challenge the credibility of the approver's statement during subsequent trial stages.
