Bengaluru, April 17 (NationPress) A Special Court dedicated to MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru has sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni along with 16 other co-accused to double life imprisonment in the murder case of BJP leader and Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda.

The court issued life sentences for the charges of criminal conspiracy and murder, which will be served concurrently.

Additionally, the court mandated a compensation of Rs 16 lakh to be paid to the victim's family and recognized Basavaraja Muttagi, the primary accused, as an approver in the case. A collective fine of Rs 12.50 lakh was imposed on the defendants.

Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat delivered the ruling, indicating that the 57-year-old MLA Kulkarni will spend the rest of his life behind bars as per the court's decision.

Accused No. 19, Channakeshava Tingarikar, a circle inspector, received a sentence of seven years for destruction of evidence.

Prosecutors from the CBI, Hema and Shivananda Perla, highlighted critical evidence presented in the case, which included the testimony of the approver, eyewitness statements, call detail records (CDR), cell tower location data, and CCTV footage captured near the Dharwad post office.

“The footage depicted the accused fleeing with firearms. This evidence was previously overlooked by local Dharwad police, but we acknowledged its significance,” they remarked.

They further noted that communications between Vinay Kulkarni and approver Muttagi, alongside the tower location data and their frequent interactions, were substantiated throughout the investigatory process.

“Muttagi provided a comprehensive account in court detailing the financial exchanges and Kulkarni's role,” they added.

Out of the 17 individuals charged, 16 have received life sentences. Vinay Kulkarni retains the option to appeal to a higher court once he obtains a copy of the judgment.

The judgment will be forwarded to the Speaker’s office by Friday or Saturday, initiating the process for Kulkarni's disqualification as an MLA. Following this, his seat will be declared vacant, prompting the Election Commission to schedule a by-election. Should Kulkarni secure a stay on his conviction from a higher court, he may keep his position as an MLA.

Kulkarni's legal team has indicated plans to file an appeal challenging the conviction next week.

In a media statement post-verdict, senior CBI prosecutor Hema stated, “The ruling in the Yogesh Gowda murder case was delivered today. Initially, the Dharwad police conducted the investigation, leading to charges against accused Nos. 1 to 6. The case was subsequently handed over to the CBI, which filed charges against accused Nos. 1 to 21 following an in-depth investigation.”

She emphasized, “After the trial, the court convicted accused Nos. 2 to 16, along with accused Nos. 18 and 19. Double life sentences were imposed on accused Nos. 2 to 16, while accused No. 19 was sentenced to seven years for the destruction of evidence.”

“The total fine reached Rs 12.50 lakh, and Rs 16 lakh was awarded as compensation to the victim’s family. The CBI exerted considerable effort to uncover the truth, and the court has rendered justice. This outcome reflects the commitment of our entire team, including SPs, directors, and additional directors, working tirelessly for the conviction. It's a triumph for society,” she expressed.

She also acknowledged the challenges faced during the proceedings, stating, “Numerous witnesses experienced intimidation. We ensured their protection, allowing them to testify truthfully in court, which ultimately led to these convictions.”

“Those attempting to conceal the truth will be revealed. The truth is everlasting. The convicted will serve their full life sentences—no mere 14 years, but until their natural lives conclude,” she added.

Another senior CBI prosecutor, Shivananda Perla, remarked, “This ruling is historic. On June 15, 2016, Yogesh Gowda was brutally murdered at his gym in Dharwad. Initially, local police charged Basavaraja Muttagi and five others, but they were not the actual culprits.”

“Our investigation established that the true assailants were accused Nos. 7 to 14, orchestrated by accused No. 15, MLA Vinay Kulkarni,” he explained.

“During the CBI’s investigation, led by senior officer Rakesh Ranjan, a chargesheet was filed against 21 individuals. Since the Dharwad police failed to identify the real perpetrators, charges were also brought against certain police officials,” he added.

“Yogesh Gowda was killed due to political rivalry involving Vinay Kulkarni. The initial inquiry was inadequate, but the CBI successfully identified the genuine culprits and brought them to justice,” he stated.

This ruling sends a powerful message throughout society.

Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, commenting from Chikkamagaluru, stated, “What I previously asserted has now been validated.”

It is noteworthy that Yediyurappa had claimed during an election campaign that he would refer the case to the CBI if the BJP regained power and ensure Vinay Kulkarni's incarceration.

Yogesh Gowda’s sister, Akkamahadevi, expressed her satisfaction with the ruling, stating, “We are pleased with the verdict. We also sought life imprisonment for accused No. 19, Tingarikar. Our gratitude goes to the CBI and the judiciary.”