MLA Gets Life Sentence / Karnataka BJP Leader Murder Case: Cong MLA, 16 Others Get Life Term
·2 hours ago·2 min read
Key Points
A Special Court in Bengaluru sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others to double life imprisonment for the murder of BJP leader Yogesh Gowda, marking a major verdict in a politically sensitive case.
Bengaluru, Apr 17: In a landmark judgment, a Special Court for MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru on Friday awarded double life imprisonment to Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others in connection with the murder of BJP leader and Dharwad Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda. The court found them guilty of criminal conspiracy and murder, with sentences to run concurrently.
Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat also directed the accused to pay Rs 16 lakh as compensation to Gowda’s family and imposed a total fine of Rs 12.50 lakh. One of the accused, Basavaraja Muttagi, was confirmed as an approver, while Circle Inspector Channakeshava Tingarikar was sentenced to seven years for destruction of evidence.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented crucial evidence, including eyewitness accounts, call detail records, tower location data, and CCTV footage showing the accused fleeing with weapons near Dharwad post office. Prosecutors Hema and Shivananda Perla highlighted that Kulkarni’s frequent contact with Muttagi and financial transactions established his role in orchestrating the crime.
The murder of Yogesh Gowda on June 15, 2016, at his gym in Dharwad was initially investigated by local police, who filed charges against six suspects. However, the case was later transferred to the CBI, which uncovered a wider conspiracy involving 21 accused persons. The agency concluded that the killing stemmed from political rivalry involving Kulkarni.
The verdict has significant political implications. Kulkarni, 57, will now spend the remainder of his natural life in prison unless he secures relief from a higher court. His seat in the Karnataka Assembly is expected to be declared vacant, paving the way for a by-election. His counsel has already announced plans to appeal the conviction.
The judgment has been hailed as a victory for justice. CBI prosecutors emphasized the challenges faced during the trial, including threats to witnesses, but noted that truth ultimately prevailed. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said the verdict vindicated his earlier stance, while Gowda’s family expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat also directed the accused to pay Rs 16 lakh as compensation to Gowda’s family and imposed a total fine of Rs 12.50 lakh. One of the accused, Basavaraja Muttagi, was confirmed as an approver, while Circle Inspector Channakeshava Tingarikar was sentenced to seven years for destruction of evidence.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented crucial evidence, including eyewitness accounts, call detail records, tower location data, and CCTV footage showing the accused fleeing with weapons near Dharwad post office. Prosecutors Hema and Shivananda Perla highlighted that Kulkarni’s frequent contact with Muttagi and financial transactions established his role in orchestrating the crime.
The murder of Yogesh Gowda on June 15, 2016, at his gym in Dharwad was initially investigated by local police, who filed charges against six suspects. However, the case was later transferred to the CBI, which uncovered a wider conspiracy involving 21 accused persons. The agency concluded that the killing stemmed from political rivalry involving Kulkarni.
The verdict has significant political implications. Kulkarni, 57, will now spend the remainder of his natural life in prison unless he secures relief from a higher court. His seat in the Karnataka Assembly is expected to be declared vacant, paving the way for a by-election. His counsel has already announced plans to appeal the conviction.
The judgment has been hailed as a victory for justice. CBI prosecutors emphasized the challenges faced during the trial, including threats to witnesses, but noted that truth ultimately prevailed. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said the verdict vindicated his earlier stance, while Gowda’s family expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
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