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Yogesh Goudar Murder Case: Suspends Life Sentences of Seven Convicts
The on Friday suspended the life sentences of seven individuals convicted for the murder of Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Goudar, ordering their release on pending the disposal of their .
A of Justice Mohammad Nawaz and Justice G Basavaraja allowed the applications filed by the convicts—Santosh Savadatti, Kritikumar Basavaraj Kurahatti, Vinayak Katagi, Mahabaleshwar Hongal, Vikram Ballari, Sandeep Saudatti, and Vikas Kalburgi—who had been sentenced to by a special court in Bengaluru.
The Case
Yogesh Goudar, a Zilla Panchayat member from Hebballi constituency, was hacked to death by an armed gang at his gym in Saptapur, Dharwad, in . The initially arrested six persons, but the investigation was later transferred to the . Former MLA Vinay Kulkarni was also among those convicted in the case.
The convicted the accused in for offences including (), (), rioting (), (), murder (), and (). They were sentenced to and fines.
Granted
The convicts approached the High Court challenging their and sought pending appeal. The , while allowing their applications, suspended the sentences imposed by the and ordered their release on subject to several conditions.
Each appellant was directed to execute a of Rs 5 lakh with two of the like amount, to the satisfaction of the Special Court. They were also ordered to deposit the entire fine amount imposed by the and not leave India without prior permission of the High Court. Additionally, they must appear before the High Court or the as and when directed.
Status of
The criminal challenging the are pending final hearing before the High Court. Earlier, the High Court had also stayed the of former MLA Vinay Kulkarni in the same case, allowing him to contest elections. The seven convicts now await the final outcome of their .
The court's decision provides to the appellants, who have been in custody since their , while the merits of their remain to be considered.
