NewsFlash Daily™
30 April 
Koppal court delivers landmark verdict, imposes death sentence and Rs3 lakh fine each on six accused in brutal political murder case
Koppal: In a significant and hard-hitting verdict, a sessions court in Gangavathi has sentenced six convicts to death in the sensational murder case of BJP youth leader Venkatesh Kurbur alias JNN Venky.
The judgment was delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Sadanand Nagappa Nayak, who also imposed a fine of Rs3 lakh each on the convicts, marking a major development in the high-profile case that had shocked the region.
Convicts Identified
The six individuals sentenced to death are Ravi, Vijay alias Mailari, Dhanaraj, Bheem alias Bharat, Salim Mohammed Rafiq, and Gangadhar Gauli.
The court found them guilty of brutally killing the BJP Youth Morcha city unit president, citing strong evidence, including CCTV footage and past criminal records.
Court Observations: Heinous Crime Not Acceptable in Civil Society
During the hearing, the court observed that such violent and barbaric acts cannot be tolerated in a civilised society. It also took into account the criminal history of the accused, noting that key accused Ravi alone had 17 cases registered against him, while others also had multiple charges.
Motive Behind the Murder
Investigations revealed that the murder was driven by old enmity and retaliation. Venkatesh Kurbur had reportedly been a key eyewitness in another murder case involving a youth named Maruti near the railway station and had supported him during treatment. This is believed to have triggered the deadly attack.
Police Statement on Verdict
Reacting to the judgment, Ram L Arasiddi, Superintendent of Police, Koppal, said the case was highly challenging, but justice has been delivered.
“The investigation was complex, but the police ensured justice. The court has now given a strong message against such crimes,” he stated.
Background: Brutal Midnight Murder
The incident took place on the midnight of October 8, 2025, near a private hospital at Rana Pratap Singh Circle on the outskirts of Gangavathi. Venkatesh Kurbur (32) was attacked and hacked to death by a group of assailants who chased him in a car, rammed his two-wheeler, and then assaulted him with deadly weapons.
He was rushed to a government hospital but succumbed to injuries.
Police had arrested 12 accused in connection with the case and filed a detailed 927-page charge sheet, leading to this decisive verdict.
