The sensational Renukaswamy murder case in Kannada has taken a crucial turn. The testimony given in court by Pradosh Rao (A-14), who was an accused in the case and turned approver, has brought to light sensational facts about the role of actor Darshan and actress Pavitra Gowda. The suspense in the case increased as Pradosh explained that Darshan's attempts to cover up the crime after the murder were foiled.

The police have filed a chargesheet alleging that Renukaswamy of Chitradurga was kidnapped, attacked and murdered in a shed in Pattangare, Bengaluru, in June 2024 on charges of sending obscene messages to Pavitra Gowda. Although Pradosh was initially an accused in the case, he later became an approver.

Highlights of the statement
Pradosh said in his statement, "After the attack, Darshan and Pavitra went to the house. After some time, when it was learned that Renukaswamy was dead, the co-accused went to Darshan's house. After knowing the matter, Darshan was extremely scared. He threatened, 'I will shoot myself with a revolver and die.' He was worried that if someone did not frame them for the crime, he would have no other option but to hang himself."

Pradosh explained that Darshan was ready to give a large amount of money to those who would immediately frame them for the crime and surrender. When two youths (Karthik and Nikhil) agreed to this, he said that Darshan put a total of Rs. 10 lakhs in a bag in his house, each worth Rs. 5 lakhs. He said that he gave another Rs. 5 lakhs to Raghavendra, who had kidnapped Renukaswamy.

Pradosh stated in his statement that the accused then returned to various places like Kengeri and Nagarabavi to dispose of the body and finally dumped it in the Malagala Royal Canal near Kamakshipalya. He explained that the youths who surrendered before the police had prepared a fabricated story in advance and said that Renukaswamy died after a fight over money.

Pradosh's statement was recorded in-camera in the 59th CCH court in Bengaluru in the last week of September. Other accused, including Darshan and Pavitra, appeared through video conference. Legal experts believe that Pradosh's statement will be very crucial for the prosecution. The trial of this case is ongoing.