Murder-accused Congress leader gets hero's welcome in Karnataka

Former minister and Congress leader Vinay Kulkarni were released on bail from Hindalga Central Prison in Belagavi on Saturday. He is charged with murder. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the prison to welcome him.

The Karnataka police registered a case against Kulkarni and 300 others for violating Covid-19 guidelines as the crowd ignored the weekend curfew and physical distancing norms, reported The News Minute.

The Congress leader was offered a garland and taken to Ganesha temple in an open jeep procession from Hindalaga jail. The temple also violated norms prohibiting gatherings and opened its doors especially for him to perform a puja. He also went to Naganur Rudrakshi Math to seek the blessings of a seer. About 3000 people are reported to have been at the welcome rally.

MLA Lakshmi Hebbalkar put tilak on his forehead and tied a special gold Rakhi on his wrist. She told IANS that Vinay Kulkarni is like her elder brother, and she was there as his sister. She added that the two of them share a special bond, and she will support him to come out of the problem (the murder charges).

Kulkarni told the media that he was confident in coming out of the prison and has faith in the judiciary. He added that he is a different politician as the rich and poor are with him. He also expressed gratitude to the people who have supported him and his family. He also noted that he has been blessed by religious seers and people of the constituency.

He is accused of conspiracy in the murder of BJP Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda in 2016. He was arrested in November 2020 after CBI took over the investigation. He has been in jail for nine months and was granted bail on August 11 by the Supreme Court and the People Representatives Special Court in Bengaluru.