Bengaluru: The trial in the Renukaswamy murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan and Pavithra Gowda took a significant turn on Wednesday, October 28, after a prosecution witness turned hostile before the 59th City Civil and Sessions Court.

Puneeth MJ, an employee at the Pattanagere shed in Bengaluru where Renukaswamy was allegedly murdered in June 2024, told the court that he did not know what had happened at the premises on the day of the alleged crime. He also said he could not recognise Darshan when the actor appeared before the court through video conference from prison, according to a report by The Times of India.

The prosecution subsequently treated Puneeth as a hostile witness and began cross-examining him over his testimony.

The development comes as the court continues to hear evidence in the high-profile case, which has drawn widespread attention because of Darshan’s prominence in the Kannada film industry and the number of people accused in connection with the alleged murder.

Witness recounts presence of people at shed

During his testimony, Puneeth reportedly said that three men were already present at the shed when he arrived for work on June 8, 2024, the day of the alleged murder.

He told the court that five more people arrived later in a car but claimed he did not know who they were.

Puneeth also testified that he left the premises at around 6.30 pm to travel to Male Mahadeshwara Hills. Some other employees, including a security guard, remained at the shed after he departed, he said.

According to his testimony, he learnt about Renukaswamy’s alleged murder through news reports on June 10. The police subsequently contacted him and asked him to visit the police station.

His statement that he had no knowledge of the events at the shed and could not identify Darshan prompted the prosecution to cross-examine him as a hostile witness.

Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna P Kumar confirmed the development. The court adjourned the hearing until Thursday.

Darshan and Pavithra Gowda appear through video conference

Darshan and Pavithra Gowda appeared before the court through video conference from Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, where they are lodged in connection with the case.

During the proceedings, Darshan also raised a health concern, telling the court that he was suffering from back pain and requesting physiotherapy.

The hearing proceeded amid continuing examination of witnesses and evidence in the murder trial.

What is the Renukaswamy murder case?

Renukaswamy, a fan of Darshan, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered in June 2024. Investigators have alleged that the crime was linked to messages he sent to Pavithra Gowda through social media.

According to the prosecution’s case, Renukaswamy’s messages became the trigger for the events that culminated in his alleged killing. Investigators subsequently arrested Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and several others in connection with the case.

The Pattanagere shed in Bengaluru has emerged as a key location in the investigation because of the alleged events that took place there.

The case has generated considerable public interest, with the prosecution presenting witness testimony and other evidence as part of the proceedings. The allegations against the accused remain subject to judicial determination.

Trial continues as prosecution examines witnesses

Puneeth’s testimony marks another development in the ongoing proceedings. A witness being declared hostile allows the prosecution to question the witness more extensively about statements that appear inconsistent with its case.

The prosecution’s cross-examination is expected to focus on the witness’s account of the people present at the shed, his departure from the premises and his claimed lack of knowledge about the alleged crime.

The court has adjourned the matter until Thursday, when further proceedings are expected to continue.