In his appeal, Kulkarni seeks to overturn the trial court’s ruling passed on April 15, which deemed him guilty, along with the sentencing order from April 17 by an Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru that imposed a life sentence.
The incident occurred on June 15, 2016, when BJP zilla panchayat member Yogesh Gowda was murdered in a gym located in Dharwad. Following the incident, an FIR was filed at the Dharwad Suburban Police Station, leading to a prominent investigation.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) assumed control of the inquiry on September 24, 2019, and subsequently submitted a thorough chargesheet. The charges included criminal conspiracy, murder, evidence tampering, unlawful assembly, rioting with lethal weapons, illegal arms possession and trafficking, and misconduct by public officials aimed at shielding an accused.
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The agency claimed that Kulkarni had a personal and political grudge against the victim, who rejected efforts to persuade him to withdraw from the 2016 zilla panchayat elections.
Kulkarni was apprehended by the CBI on November 5, 2020. He received bail from the Supreme Court on August 11, 2021; however, his bail was revoked on June 7, 2025, after credible evidence emerged indicating attempts to influence trial witnesses.
The trial court convicted Kulkarni along with 15 others on April 15 this year on several counts.
All convicted parties received life sentences two days later. Assistant Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the CBI, requested a severe life sentence, arguing that “This murder is exceptionally heinous and has a direct impact on the judicial system,” reported ANI.
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“The accused have endeavored to destroy evidence by exerting influence and obstructing the judicial process. Therefore, a strict life sentence for all involved is necessary to set a precedent for society,” he added.
Meanwhile, the defense attorneys sought a reduction in the sentence, stating that Kulkarni “has obligations to his family and should receive the minimum sentence considering their circumstances.”
Kulkarni has now appealed to the High Court to not only reverse the conviction but also to stay the enforcement of the trial court’s ruling until his appeal is completely adjudicated.
