The Special Court for MLAs/MPs in Bengaluru has sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni to life imprisonment for his involvement in the murder of BJP leader Yogesh Gowda. Additionally, the court ordered Rs 16 lakh in compensation for the deceased’s children and declared Basavaraja Muttagi as an approver in the case.
Vinay Kulkarni, aged 57, will serve 14 years in prison as per the court’s decision. Another accused, Mahesh Tingarikar, has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. Social activist Basavaraja Koravar expressed satisfaction with the court’s ruling, emphasizing the importance of justice in the case.
BJP MLC C.T. Ravi acknowledged the delayed but eventual delivery of justice in the murder case. The court had previously completed the final statements on the punishment’s quantum and reserved the verdict for Friday. Emotional scenes unfolded as family members of the accused gathered during the proceedings.
The court found Vinay Kulkarni guilty in the murder case after a prolonged trial. He was accused of criminal conspiracy and is currently the Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board. The court’s verdict followed arguments from the prosecution seeking the harshest punishment for the accused.
