In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court’s Vacation Bench, comprising Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and Augustine Masih, has refused to dismiss the criminal charges against Vinay Rajashekharappa Kulkarni, a Congress MLA and former Karnataka minister. Kulkarni stands accused in the high-profile murder of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker, who was a member of the Dharwad Zila Panchayat from Hebballi constituency. This case has been a focal point of political and judicial scrutiny since the incident occurred on June 15, 2016.
The Karnataka High Court had earlier affirmed the charges against Kulkarni and 20 others, a decision that has now been upheld by the Supreme Court. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the probe, meticulously pieced together the evidence, leading to multiple arrests and a comprehensive charge sheet.
Despite several bail applications, Kulkarni remained in custody, reflecting the gravity of the accusations. In February 2021, the CBI reinforced its case by filing a supplementary charge sheet, naming 21 individuals, including Kulkarni, solidifying the prosecution’s stance.
This ruling ensures that the judicial process will continue, keeping the case in the public eye and maintaining its momentum towards resolution.
