Bengaluru Court Sentences Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni to Life Imprisonment for Murder

In a significant ruling, a Bengaluru court has sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni to life imprisonment for the murder of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar in 2016. Along with 15 others, Kulkarni was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder. The case, which was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, revealed attempts to influence witnesses during the trial. Kulkarni, who has served as MLA for Dharwad, faced multiple charges but was acquitted of those related to the Arms Act. This ruling marks a pivotal moment in Karnataka's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 18:09 IST

Life Sentence for Vinay Kulkarni

A court in Bengaluru has sentenced Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni to life imprisonment for his involvement in the murder of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar, which occurred in 2016.

On Wednesday, a special court found Kulkarni and 15 co-defendants guilty. In addition to the life sentence, Kulkarni was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 30,000. He represents the Dharwad constituency.

Goudar was murdered in June 2016, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took charge of the case.

The CBI's chargesheet included serious allegations such as murder, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence, among others.

Kulkarni was initially arrested in November 2020 but was granted bail by the Supreme Court in August 2021. However, this bail was revoked in June 2025 due to evidence suggesting he attempted to influence witnesses during the trial.

The special court concluded that Kulkarni and his accomplices had conspired to kill the BJP leader, although he was acquitted of charges related to the Arms Act.

Kulkarni served as the MLA for Dharwad from 2013 to 2018 and returned to the position in 2023 after winning the elections.