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. The court also ordered Rs 16 lakh compensation for the victim’s family and named Basavaraja Muttagi as an approver in the case. Vinay Kulkarni, aged 57, will spend the rest of his life behind bars as per the judgment.
CBI prosecutors highlighted key evidence, including the approver’s testimony, call records, and CCTV footage, leading to the convictions. Among the accused, 16 received life imprisonment, while a circle inspector was sentenced to seven years for evidence tampering. Vinay Kulkarni can appeal the verdict after obtaining a copy.
The judgment copy will be sent to the Speaker’s office for Vinay Kulkarni’s disqualification as an MLA, triggering a by-election. Kulkarni’s counsel plans to appeal the conviction next week. Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa welcomed the verdict, emphasizing the importance of the case.
