Bengaluru, Aug 12 (IANS) The trial court hearing the Renukaswamy murder case involving actor Darshan on Wednesday directed that the statement of accused No. 14 Pradosh, who has applied to become an approver, should not be recorded for a week. His lawyer also told the court that Pradosh was facing a threat to his life inside prison and sought separate security for him.
The court ordered that Pradosh’s statement should not be recorded until August 18, following an application filed by actor Darshan’s lawyer, senior advocate Hashmath Pasha, seeking to prevent the recording of the statement for the time being. The development has provided temporary relief to Darshan.
Arguing before the court, Pasha submitted that there was an opportunity to challenge the sessions court’s order before the High Court. He argued that if the High Court upheld the sessions court’s order, the process of recording Pradosh’s statement could be continued, and therefore his statement should not be recorded immediately.
Pradosh’s counsel, advocate Diwakar, opposed the request and told the court that his client had already filed an application seeking to become an approver and that the prosecution had also consented to the request. He urged the court to record Pradosh’s statement without further delay.
However, the court accepted the arguments advanced by Darshan’s counsel and directed that Pradosh’s statement should not be recorded until August 18.
During the hearing, Diwakar also informed the court that Pradosh was facing a threat to his life in prison and requested that he be kept in a separate cell and provided adequate security.
Taking note of the concern, the court directed the prison authorities to provide Pradosh with appropriate security. The court also directed that he should appear separately through video conference.
Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and Pradosh appeared before the court through video conference from Bengaluru Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara during Wednesday’s hearing.
Pradosh, who is accused No. 14 in the Renukaswamy murder case, has sought to turn approver and record his statement in connection with the case. The court’s latest order means that the process of recording his statement will remain on hold until August 18 and is also subject to the order of the High Court.
It can be noted that Darshan’s fans recently interrupted Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s speech at an event demanding the release of the actor. Shivakumar said he understood their sentiments but maintained that he could not comment on the matter as it was before the court. Following this, one of Darshan’s close associates, Pradosh, filed a petition before the court seeking to become an approver in the case.
Meanwhile, the police investigating the alleged kidnapping and life threats issued to Sandeep, a witness in the Renukaswamy murder case, have reportedly traced two industrialists who allegedly played a key role in threatening him.
–IANS
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