Today(on 23rd July),The Karnataka High Court granted bail to Vasudev Bhagwan Suryavanshi and Amit Baddi, accused in the high-profile murder case of scholar MM Kalburgi. Justice MG Uma’s decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the case, where the individuals were implicated in the theft of the motorcycle used in the assassination.
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BENGALURU: Today(on 23rd July), The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to two individuals accused in the high-profile murder case of scholar MM Kalburgi. The court’s decision marks a crucial moment in a case that has been under intense scrutiny for years.
On Tuesday, Justice MG Uma granted bail to Vasudev Bhagwan Suryavanshi and Amit Baddi. Both individuals were implicated in the theft of the motorcycle used by the shooter in Kalburgi’s assassination. The case has seen many twists and turns, with the court’s latest decision shedding new light on the proceedings.
Justice Uma observed that the original theft case had been compounded years ago.
“The prosecution is unable to provide a definitive timeline for when the trial will conclude.”
-the Court noted, emphasizing the prolonged nature of the case.
Furthermore, the court pointed out that only 10 out of 138 witnesses had been examined, which underscores the slow pace of the trial.
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“Apart from the theft charge, there is no prima facie evidence on record linking them to the murder case.”
– the Court said, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence against Suryavanshi and Baddi in the murder of Kalburgi.
This statement underscores the court’s rationale for granting bail, given the insufficient evidence linking the accused directly to the murder.
MM Kalburgi, a renowned scholar, was tragically shot dead in Dharwad on August 30, 2015. The assassination was carried out by two assailants who escaped the crime scene on a motorcycle, a fact that has been central to the investigation.
Adding to the complexity of the case, both Suryavanshi and Baddi are also accused in the murders of journalist Gauri Lankesh and rationalist Govind Pansare. These cases have drawn significant public and media attention, linking the accused to a broader pattern of attacks on intellectuals and activists.
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to grant bail to the accused in the Kalburgi murder case is likely to have broader implications. It raises questions about the pace and efficacy of the investigation and the prosecution’s ability to present a compelling case. As the court has noted, the delay in examining witnesses and the lack of clear evidence have been pivotal in its decision to grant bail.
This development comes amid growing concerns about the safety of scholars, journalists, and activists in India. The murders of Kalburgi, Lankesh, and Pansare are often discussed in the context of freedom of expression and the right to dissent.
