Pradosh’s 11‑page petition approved, now a state witness in Renukaswami case

Bengaluru, 28 September – The Karnataka judiciary has cleared an 11‑page petition filed by Pradosh, the man who was initially listed as accused No. 14 in the Renukaswami murder investigation. The petition sought his conversion to a government‑approved witness, allowing him to present a detailed statement against other alleged perpetrators.

The 59th City Civil and Sessions Court accepted the request, and Pradosh is slated to give his testimony on Monday. His statement is expected to cover the sequence of events before and after the alleged abduction, assault, and killing of 35‑year‑old Renukaswami, a known admirer of actor Darshan.

Given the sensitivity of the case and reported threats directed at Pradosh by supporters of the actor, the court ordered a robust security deployment. The plan includes an Additional Commissioner of Police, three senior inspectors, eight sub‑inspectors and more than forty constables stationed around the courtroom.

Pradosh is currently incarcerated at Bengaluru Central Jail. He will travel to the courtroom under the escort of Kamatipalya police officers, with jail officials accompanying him for additional oversight.

Although the defense had tried to contest Pradosh’s shift to witness status in the Karnataka High Court, that challenge was not entertained, leaving the lower court’s decision intact. The trial court will log his full testimony, but a cross‑examination will be scheduled only after the principal prosecution witness has been examined.