Why ದರ್ಶನ್ ತೂಗುದೀಪ Trended in India: Legal Battle Over Approver Testimony in Renukaswamy Case

Why ದರ್ಶನ್ ತೂಗುದೀಪ Trended in India

In late September 2026, searches for the Kannada film actor ದರ್ಶನ್ ತೂಗುದೀಪ saw a significant spike, with Google Trends recording a 300% growth and approximately 1,000 queries on 25 September 2026. This surge in public interest was driven by critical legal developments in the Renukaswamy murder case, specifically a dispute over the status and testimony of a co-accused acting as an "approver" (a witness who testifies against others in exchange for a pardon).

Sessions Court Summons for Pradosh Rao

On 24 September 2026, Bengaluru's 59th Additional City Civil and Sessions Court issued a summons to Pradosh Rao, one of the 17 accused in the case. The court directed Rao to appear on 28 September 2026 to record his statement as an approver (Vijay Karnataka).

The testimony is considered pivotal because if Rao's statement aligns with the evidence already collected by the police, it could substantially strengthen the prosecution's case against the other accused, including the actor.

Legal Challenges in the High Court

Darshan Thoogudeepa has attempted to block this testimony through multiple legal channels. On 22 September 2026, he filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court requesting that the recording of Pradosh Rao's statement be halted until the investigation is completed (Asianet News Kannada). In his petition, Darshan alleged that Rao had misused a mobile phone and that pressure had been applied to secure the testimony.

This followed a previous attempt by Darshan's wife, Vijayalakshmi, to challenge a 16 September 2026 trial court order that had designated Rao as an approver. However, a single-judge bench of the High Court dismissed this application, ruling that an accused can become an approver at any stage of the proceedings and that the accused has no right to question this (Vijay Karnataka).

Current Status and Case Context

The Renukaswamy murder case has been under trial for two years and involves 17 accused individuals. While Darshan remains in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, he has recently sought a change in how he attends proceedings. Previously appearing via video conferencing, the High Court granted him permission to appear physically in court specifically during the "cross-examination" (ಪಾಟಿ ಸವಾಲು) of key witnesses to better consult with his lawyers and observe witnesses face-to-face (Asianet News Kannada).