Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa faces a fresh legal setback in the Renukaswamy murder case, with his close friend and accused number 14, Pradosh S Rao, getting the court's permission to turn approver.
The 59th City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru has allowed Pradosh to become a prosecution witness, subject to strict conditions. He will remain in judicial custody until the trial is completed and is required to place before the court all the facts he knows about the case without withholding any information.
The court has made it clear that Pradosh cannot pick and choose what he reveals. If he is found to have concealed facts, violated the conditions or given false evidence during the trial, he could face a separate case for perjury. His approver status could also be withdrawn, following which he could once again be tried as an accused in the case.
Pradosh had approached the court seeking to turn approver and, in his application, claimed to have witnessed key events surrounding Renukaswamy's death involving Darshan and Pavithra Gowda.
Pradosh also alleged that after Renukaswamy died, Darshan also pressured him to help move the body and keep the incident from coming out. He has claimed that Darshan even threatened to shoot himself and die by suicide.
These allegations are part of Pradosh's application before the court and will have to be tested during the trial.
Pradosh himself is facing serious allegations in the case. He has been accused of helping destroy evidence and of being involved in the events surrounding the murder. The prosecution has also alleged that he brought Pavithra Gowda to the shed before the assault and later received ₹30 lakh from Darshan. He is accused of helping create a group of fake accused persons who would take responsibility for the murder and surrender before the police.
With Pradosh now allowed to turn approver, his testimony could become an important part of the prosecution's case. More importantly, the court's order means Darshan's close associate will now be required to disclose what he knows about the events surrounding Renukaswamy's death, with his own legal status depending on whether he remains truthful throughout the proceedings.
