Bengaluru Court allows co-accused to turn approver in Renukaswamy murder case
A court in Bengaluru on Tuesday allowed an application filed by Pradosh Rao, the 14th accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, seeking to turn an approver.
Rao, who is currently in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru, appeared before the court through video conference on Tuesday.
Kannada actor Darshan and his friend, actress Pavithra Gowda, are among the 17 accused in the Renukaswamy murder case.
Darshan is currently lodged in jail under judicial custody.
The 59th City Civil and Sessions Court, presided over by Judge Sujatha Madivalappa Sambrani, had reserved its order after hearing arguments from the counsel for actor Darshan and the Special Public Prosecutor representing the prosecution.
During an earlier hearing, the court had sought clarification from Pradosh Rao regarding the contents of his application and whether he was clear about the statements made in it.
While allowing the application, the court imposed certain conditions on Rao. It directed him to remain in jail until the approver proceedings are completed and to disclose the complete truth about the case, including the role of other accused persons and all information in his possession.
The court warned that if Rao concealed the truth, he would lose the benefit of being treated as an approver and could be proceeded against as an accused. It also cautioned that violating the conditions or giving false evidence could invite separate legal proceedings.
The judge directed prison authorities to serve Rao with a copy of the order and obtain his signature.
The Karnataka High Court on August 13 had dismissed a petition filed by actor Darshan, challenging a sessions court order that refused to permit him to file objections to an application by Pradosh Rao seeking pardon by turning an approver.
