Key Witness Turns Hostile in Kannada Actor Darshan Murder Trial

The legal proceedings surrounding the 2024 murder of Renukaswamy took an unexpected turn when a primary witness contradicted earlier accounts during a court hearing. The witness, Puneeth MJ, worked at the Pattanagere shed where the crime allegedly occurred and testified that he had no knowledge of the incident.

Appearing via video conference from the Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara, actor Darshan and associate Pavithra Gowda attended the session alongside the proceedings. The witness stated that he left the premises on the evening of June 8, 2024, and only learned of the death days later through media broadcasts.

Following his testimony and conflicting statements, prosecutors initiated a cross-examination regarding his hostile stance. The judge subsequently postponed the hearing to the following day for further questioning.

In addition to the trial proceedings, the detained actor informed the court about suffering from back pain. His legal counsel announced plans to submit a formal application requesting physiotherapy treatment.