Karnataka: Gauri Lankesh murder accused granted bail

Mohan Nayak became the first accused person in the case pertaining to the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh to have beengranted bail by the Karnataka High Court. Mohan Nayak was accused of sheltering Amol Kale who has been identified as the mastermind behind the killing. Rajesh Bangera who provided training for handling weapons to the alleged perpetrators was also known to Mohan Nayak. 

Mohan Nayak was however observed to not have been present in any of the meetings in which the murder was being planned. 

Mohan sought bail on the grounds of multiple delays in the trial in which 437 chargesheet witnesses are yet to be examined. The Court took note that the confession taken from Mohan was before sanction was given to invoke provisions of the Karnataka Control of Organized Crimes Act (COCA). “Even otherwise, The requirements of Section 19 have not been compiled in the present case. The confessions have not been recorded by an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police in the manner as provided under Section 19 of the COCA,” the judgement noted. 

The judgement also made note of the fact that even if the charges against Mohan are proved, it would not result in a life sentence and that he has already spent more than 5 years in jail. The undue delay was cited as grounds for granting bail. In July 2023, the Principal District Civil and Sessions Court had denied bail to Mohan on the grounds of active participation and aiding in activities related to the incident.