The City Civil and Sessions Court on Monday rejected the bail plea of Naveen Kumar, one of the accused in the murder case of journalist Gauri Lankesh.
Anucheth M.N., Deputy Commissioner of Police and investigating officer for the Special Investigation Team, argued before the court in the absence of the special public prosecutor last week stating that granting bail would not only hamper the ongoing investigation, but also pose danger to the witnesses in the case.
Mr. Anucheth further argued that Naveen Kumar tried to mislead the investigation through the advocate, who filed a petition that one of the witnesses, who gave deposed before the magistrate, wanted to retract the statement. The SIT later confirmed that the witness did not wish to do anything of the sort, and it was a pressure tactic to threaten the witness and hamper the investigation.
Vedamurthy, advocate representing Naveen Kumar, said he would appeal before the High Court for bail.
Waghmore in Vijayapura
Meanwhile, Parashuram Waghmore, another accused in the case, was brought to Vijayapura District Court on Monday for hearing in connection with the hoisting of the Pakistan flag in Sindagi in 2012.
Other accused in the flag case, Rakesh Math, Anil Solankar, Mallanagouda Patil, Rohit Navi, Sunil Agasar, and Arun Waghmore, also deposed before the court.
The next hearing has been posted to July 16.