A co-accused in the murder of Renukaswamy, Pradosh Rao, has been accepted as a pardon witness by the Bengaluru Court. Rao's detailed statement implicates actor Darshan and his co-star Pavithra Gowda, describing the victim's abuse and instructions for a fabricated story. Darshan's legal challenges to Rao's testimony have been rejected by the lower court, escalating the legal battle to the Karnataka High Court. The case also experienced judicial scrutiny over courtroom procedure, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation.

A co-accused in the murder of Renukaswamy, Pradosh Rao, has been accepted as a pardon witness by the Bengaluru Court. Rao's detailed statement implicates actor Darshan and his co-star Pavithra Gowda, describing the victim's abuse and instructions for a fabricated story. Darshan's legal challenges to Rao's testimony have been rejected by the lower court, escalating the legal battle to the Karnataka High Court. The case also experienced judicial scrutiny over courtroom procedure, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation.

A co-accused in the murder of Renukaswamy, Pradosh Rao, has been accepted as a pardon witness by the Bengaluru Court. Rao's detailed statement implicates actor Darshan and his co-star Pavithra Gowda, describing the victim's abuse and instructions for a fabricated story. Darshan's legal challenges to Rao's testimony have been rejected by the lower court, escalating the legal battle to the Karnataka High Court. The case also experienced judicial scrutiny over courtroom procedure, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation.

The legal battle over the brutal murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, involving actor Darshan, took an unexpected turn as the Bengaluru Court agreed to consider one of the co-accused in the case as a pardon witness.

Pradosh Rao, a software professional and a close friend of Darshan, was the 14th accused in the case. He had sought the court’s permission to become a prosecution witness. In his 11-page mercy petition submitted to the court, Pradosh expressed remorse for his mistake and explained the incident in detail.

Rao alleged that when he reached the scene of the crime, Darshan was standing on the victim’s chest and abusing him for the messages he allegedly sent to Darshan’s co-star Pavithra Gowda. Several other men were surrounding him. The actor also allegedly asked Gowda to hit the victim with her slippers.  

Rao added that he was asked by the actor to check the victim’s phone for any other messages he sent to women, while making up a false story to cover up the murder. The co-accused also alleged that the other men beat him with sticks, despite his warnings that it might kill the victim.

Objecting to the petition by Rao, actor Darshan had requested the 59th CCH Court to hear his arguments. However, the lower court rejected Darshan’s request, prompting the actor to approach the Karnataka High Court. During the trial, the accused, who are in jail, appeared through video conference. Pavithra Gowda allegedly joined the meeting late and was wearing headphones.

The judge was upset and lashed out at the prison authorities for a lapse in supervision. When questioned by the judge, Gowda denied she was using headphones. The court has sought a written clarification from the prison authorities.

Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old pharmacist from Chitradurga and a fan of Darshan, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by actor Darshan and his friend, Pavithra Gowda. The fan had reportedly been sending obscene messages to Pavithra Gowda’s phone. Following this, Darshan’s associates allegedly abducted him and drove him over 200 km to a secluded auto shed in Pattanagere in West Bengaluru.

Actor Darshan and Pavithra Gowda were also allegedly present at the shed. The man’s body was loaded into an SUV and dumped into a stormwater drain in Kamkshipalya. The post-mortem report showed that he was stripped and subjected to extreme physical torture.

Four of Darshan’s associates initially falsely surrendered, claiming they killed Renukaswamy over a minor financial dispute.