Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni Challenges Life Sentence in Yogesh Gowda Murder Case

Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni has moved the Karnataka High Court to challenge a trial court’s order sentencing him to life imprisonment for the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogesh Gowda.

The appeal seeks to overturn the April 15 conviction and subsequent sentencing for criminal conspiracy and murder. Gowda was killed in his Dharwad gym, a case later investigated by the CBI.

Although the Supreme Court initially granted Kulkarni bail in 2021, it was cancelled in 2025 due to witness tampering allegations. 

Kulkarni has also requested a stay on the trial court's judgment pending the High Court's final decision.

[Vinay Kulkarni v. State of Karnataka]