Pradosh moves court seeking pardon witness status as proceedings continue in the Renukaswamy murder case
The Renukaswamy murder case has taken another legal turn after A-14 accused Pradosh sought to become an approver before a Bengaluru court. The application requests that he be granted pardon under law in exchange for disclosing facts related to the case. The development comes as trial proceedings continue against actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, actress Pavithra Gowda and other accused.
Bengaluru: A fresh legal development has emerged in the Renukaswamy murder case after Pradosh, the 14th accused (A-14), filed an application before a Bengaluru court seeking to become an approver. In his plea, Pradosh has requested that the court grant him a pardon in return for disclosing facts related to the case during trial proceedings.
The application has been filed before the 59th CCH Court through his counsel. Along with seeking approver status, the plea also requests that the court direct the prison authorities to produce Pradosh from a separate jail cell rather than the cell where actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is lodged.
"The accused is willing to disclose the truth before the court and seeks consideration as an approver under the provisions of law," the application submitted through his counsel states.
The latest application adds another legal dimension to the ongoing trial in one of Karnataka's most closely followed criminal cases.
Renukaswamy Murder Case Approver Plea Filed by A-14
According to the application submitted before the trial court, Pradosh has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the judicial process by revealing details related to the alleged offence. His lawyer has sought legal protection available to an approver while requesting that the court consider granting pardon in accordance with applicable criminal procedure.
The petition also seeks directions to ensure that Pradosh is produced independently before the court and not alongside actor Darshan from the prison facility.
If the court accepts the application, it will examine whether the accused satisfies the legal requirements for being treated as an approver before deciding on the request.
Background of the Renukaswamy Murder Case
The Renukaswamy murder case surfaced in June 2024 after the body of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, was allegedly recovered from a stormwater drain in Bengaluru.
According to the prosecution, Renukaswamy allegedly sent objectionable and abusive messages to actress Pavithra Gowda. Investigators alleged that he was subsequently abducted, confined and assaulted by multiple accused persons. Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, actress Pavithra Gowda and several others were later arrested during the police investigation.
The prosecution has alleged that multiple individuals participated in the events leading to Renukaswamy's death. The accused have denied the allegations, and the matter remains under trial.
The allegations against all accused are yet to be established before the trial court, and the case is pending adjudication.
Supreme Court Orders in Darshan Bail Proceedings
The case has witnessed multiple legal developments since 2024. The Karnataka High Court had granted bail to Darshan and some co-accused during 2024. However, the Supreme Court later cancelled the bail in August 2025, observing that no individual is above the rule of law while raising concerns regarding the manner in which bail had been granted.
The apex court also recorded concerns relating to allegations of witness intimidation and prison-related irregularities during the proceedings.
Later, Darshan approached the Supreme Court again seeking relief, citing delay in trial, prison conditions and lack of basic amenities. The apex court declined to grant immediate bail and directed the Karnataka government to complete the examination of around 60 prosecution witnesses within one year to ensure expeditious trial.
The court further observed that if there is no substantial progress in the trial after the stipulated period, Darshan would be at liberty to approach the trial court again seeking bail.
Registrar Rejects Bail Modification Plea
On July 3, 2026, the Supreme Court Registrar rejected Darshan Thoogudeepa's bail modification petition during the scrutiny stage.
Darshan had sought permission to approach the courts for bail in emergency circumstances and requested modification of the earlier Supreme Court order restricting him from filing a fresh regular bail application for one year.
"The petition is not fit for hearing," the Supreme Court Registrar observed while rejecting the application.
The Registrar also directed that the petition should not be listed before the court for consideration.
Trial Proceedings Continue in Renukaswamy Murder Case
The Supreme Court had earlier clarified that Darshan could seek bail again if approximately 60 prosecution witnesses were not examined within one year.
Until the expiry of that period or unless there is insufficient progress in the trial, the restriction on filing another regular bail application continues to remain in effect.
Darshan had previously secured bail on medical grounds and remained out of judicial custody for a brief period before the Supreme Court cancelled the relief. The trial in the Renukaswamy murder case is continuing before the competent court, while the latest application filed by A-14 Pradosh will now be considered in accordance with law.
