Bengaluru, April 17, 2026: A special court in Bengaluru has sentenced sitting MLA and former Karnataka minister Vinay R. Kulkarni, along with 16 others, to double life imprisonment in connection with the 2016 murder of Yogesh Gowda, a Dharwad Zila Panchayat member.
The verdict was delivered by a special court designated for cases involving MPs and MLAs, following a detailed trial that concluded earlier this week. The court found Kulkarni guilty of criminal conspiracy and murder, identifying him as the mastermind behind the killing.
Kulkarni and his co-accused, including his uncle Chandrashekhar Indi alias Chandu Mama, were awarded double life sentences along with a fine of ₹90,000 each under relevant sections of the IPC, including criminal conspiracy and murder.
Fourteen other accused in the case were also handed double life imprisonment. Each of them has been fined ₹96,000 under multiple IPC sections related to conspiracy, murder, rioting, and unlawful assembly.
In a related development, a police inspector involved in the case was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹80,000 for his role in aiding the conspiracy and attempting to destroy evidence.
The court further directed that ₹16 lakh from the total fine collected be paid as compensation to the children of the deceased.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to June 15, 2016, when Yogesh Gowda was murdered at a gym in Dharwad. Initially investigated by local police, the probe was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Government of Karnataka due to the case’s complexity and alleged political links.
CBI investigations revealed a broader conspiracy involving multiple individuals. According to the agency, the murder was orchestrated to eliminate Gowda, with subsequent efforts made to cover up the crime and mislead investigators.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 113 witnesses and presented 291 documents along with 32 material objects as evidence.
Legal Outcome
The court convicted 17 individuals in total. Sentencing was pronounced on April 17, two days after the conviction order. Additionally, the court has ordered initiation of perjury proceedings against 10 witnesses for allegedly providing false testimony during the trial.
