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Darshan’s co-accused Pradosh S Rao had in an application filed before the trial court detailed how Renukaswamy was allegedly kidnapped, murdered, and how his body was disposed of.

Darshan’s counsel, Hashmath Pasha, argued that the trial court’s decision was based on a report on Rao’s antecedents, family, and whether he was likely to falsely implicate other accused people and lie before the court. He further said that under the Probation of Offenders Act, such reports are sought before sentencing convicts, not at the trial stage or while deciding an application to turn approver.

Darshan’s counsel said the trial court decision should therefore be set aside.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, who heard the matter, indicated that his bench would set aside the trial court decision when it passes an order in the matter on Wednesday morning. He also indicated that the trial court would be directed to consider Rao’s application afresh and pass an order within two days.

Renukaswamy, a 33-year-old autorickshaw driver from Chitradurga, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered in June 2024. His body was recovered from a stormwater drain in Bengaluru. Darshan, Gowda, and 13 others were arrested in connection with the killing. While the high court had granted Darshan bail, the Supreme Court later cancelled it.

Special Public Prosecutor P Prasanna Kumar said the trial court had sought the report from the probation officer on its own, without being requested by the prosecution, but added that the court’s decision was otherwise well reasoned.

The trial court had rejected Darshan’s plea to be heard before deciding Rao’s application to turn approver. The actor later unsuccessfully challenged this decision in the high court.