Yogesh Gowda murder case: Karnataka HC rejects MLA Vinay Kulkarni's plea to enter constituency
Bengaluru (PTI): The High Court of Karnataka has dismissed a petition filed by Dharwad MLA Vinay Kulkarni seeking relaxation of bail conditions that restrict his entry into the district.
The Congress MLA is the main accused in the murder of BJP leader Yogesh Gowda in 2016.
Kulkarni was denied permission to enter the constituency even when he contested the assembly election in May this year.
Now, after being elected as MLA, he sought the relaxation of the condition and moved the High Court. However, the court on Saturday dismissed his petition.
The counsel for CBI, Prasanna Kumar, opposed the petition on grounds that Kulkarni was already facing serious charges of trying to influence the witnesses in the case.
He also contended that the main witnesses are yet to be examined by the trial court.
While granting bail to Kulkarni in the case, the Supreme Court had imposed the condition that he would not enter Dharwad without the permission of the jurisdictional court.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
