Bengaluru, April 17 (NationPress) A Special Court in Bengaluru has sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and others to life imprisonment for their involvement in the murder of BJP leader and Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda. The court mandated a compensation of Rs 16 lakh for the children of the victim and recognized Basavaraja Muttagi, the first accused, as an approver in the case.

Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat announced the sentence for Kulkarni, aged 57, who will serve a minimum of 14 years in prison according to the ruling. Additionally, accused number 19, Mahesh Tingarikar, received a sentence of seven years.

Social activist Basavaraja Koravar expressed satisfaction with the court's ruling, stating, “This decision is commendable. We had called for a CBI inquiry from the outset. Justice has been served in the murder of Yogesh Gowda. I am pleased to have played a role in advocating for the CBI investigation into this matter. Those in law enforcement and the judiciary who colluded with influential figures must also face consequences to convey a strong message.”

Koravar further thanked former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa for ensuring the case was handed to the CBI, calling it a historic verdict.

Commenting on the case, BJP MLC C.T. Ravi remarked, “There is a saying: Justice delayed is not justice denied. Although there was a delay, justice has been achieved in this case. It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

It is noteworthy that the court had recently concluded the final statements regarding the sentencing in the murder case of Yogesh Gowda and had reserved its judgment for this day.

The final arguments from the CBI's counsel and Kulkarni's defense were presented, after which Judge Bhat adjourned the court to announce the verdict against Kulkarni and 16 other defendants.

Emotional scenes unfolded at the courthouse as family members of the convicted individuals gathered, visibly upset throughout the proceedings. Some convicts, including Kulkarni, were seen comforting their relatives while sharing in the emotional distress.

In a significant turn, the Special Court for MLAs/MPs in Bengaluru found Vinay Kulkarni guilty in relation to the murder of Yogesh Gowda.

The court reached its conclusion following an extended trial, with Kulkarni identified as accused number 15 in the case. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board. The court concluded he was guilty of criminal conspiracy.

During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General V. Raju argued that the defendants deserved the harshest punishment, claiming they engaged in a premeditated murder.

Raju emphasized that the victim, Yogesh Gowda, was a public figure whose death stemmed from political rivalry.

He informed the court that while other individuals initially surrendered to law enforcement regarding the case, the full truth emerged solely after the CBI's involvement.

Raju asserted that the accused, as elected officials, should have upheld the law instead of orchestrating the murder.

In his plea to the Special Court, Kulkarni claimed his 26 years in politics had been devoid of wrongdoing. He stated, “The case against me is politically motivated. I have two daughters of marriageable age and a son. I have contested Lok Sabha elections and manage a herd of 3,500 cows. I have never troubled anyone in my constituency.”

Senior counsel Shyam Sundar, representing the accused, argued that life imprisonment should be the maximum penalty, equating it to a death sentence. He urged the court to consider a sentence that permits the possibility of reformation. He highlighted Kulkarni's status as an elected representative, his agricultural endeavors, and his role as an industrialist.

Sundar further pointed out that the trust placed in Kulkarni by thousands of constituents should be factored into the sentencing, as it reflects his good character.