Hans News Service Bengaluru

TheKarnataka High Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the appeal filed by former Karnataka minister and Congress leader Vinay Kulkarni challenging the life imprisonment imposed on him by a Special Court for People’s Representatives in the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogish Gowda. The Division Bench, comprising Justice Mohammed Nawaz and Justice G. Basavaraja, concluded hearing arguments from both sides and reserved its judgment.

Kulkarni has sought the suspension of his conviction and life sentence, along with bail pending disposal of his appeal. The outcome of the High Court’s order is expected to have significant legal and political implications, including on the continuation of his membership in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

Appearing for Kulkarni, senior counsel argued that the former minister had no role in the conspiracy or execution of the murder and contended that he had been falsely implicated due to political rivalry.

The defence maintained that the trial court had erred in appreciating the evidence and urged the High Court to suspend the sentence and grant him bail while the appeal is heard.

Opposing the plea, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted that Kulkarni had allegedly used his political influence to orchestrate the conspiracy behind the murder of Yogish Gowda. The agency argued that the conspiracy extended beyond the killing itself and included attempts to shield the real assailants by arranging for fake accused to surrender before the court, thereby misleading the investigation. The CBI contended that the gravity of the offence and the evidence on record did not warrant suspension of sentence or grant of bail.

The case dates back to June 15, 2016, when BJP Zilla Panchayat member Yogish Gowda was hacked to death inside a gym in Dharwad. The investigation was initially conducted by the Dharwad Sub-Urban Police, which later filed a B-report. However, Gowda’s family alleged that the investigation was inadequate and accused influential persons of attempting to derail the probe.