MANGALURU: The Karnataka High Court has reportedly granted an interim stay on the bail order issued to eight accused, including Bharat Kummel, in the Kolattamajalu Rahman murder case in Dakshina Kannada district.
The case relates to the murder of Rahman within the jurisdiction of Bantwal Rural Police Station. The Mysuru District and Sessions Court had earlier granted bail to the eight accused under Section 483 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
The accused — Bharat Kummel, Pradeep, Ranjith, Shivaprasad, Abhin Rai, Sahith, Sachin and Tejaksha — were arrested under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA), according to the report.
State government challenges bail order
After the Mysuru court granted bail, the state government challenged the order before the Karnataka High Court through the Advocate General.
The government’s challenge sought to overturn the relief granted to the accused in the murder case. The High Court has reportedly issued an interim stay on the lower court’s bail order while considering the matter.
The development places the bail proceedings back before the higher court, with the legal challenge concerning the decision to grant bail to the eight accused.
Accused were not immediately eligible for release
Despite the bail order issued by the Mysuru court, the accused were reportedly not in a position to secure immediate release from prison because they remained in custody under separate proceedings involving the Goonda Act.
This distinction is important because bail in one case does not automatically result in release if a person remains lawfully detained under another order or case.
The High Court’s interim stay on the bail order further affects the status of the relief granted by the lower court. The final outcome will depend on the proceedings before the High Court.
Case continues before the courts
The Kolattamajalu Rahman murder case is being pursued through the judicial process, and the accused remain subject to the relevant legal proceedings. The High Court’s interim order concerns the bail granted by the Mysuru District and Sessions Court; it should not be treated as a finding of guilt.
Further developments will depend on the High Court’s consideration of the state government’s challenge and any subsequent orders.
The matter has drawn attention in Dakshina Kannada because of the serious allegations and the use of organised-crime legislation in the case. The legal proceedings will determine the status of the bail order and the next steps for the accused.