Lawyer’s murder: SPP appointment order reserved

The high court reserved order on appeal filed by Rajesh Gowda accused of killing a Nelamangala lawyer on suspicion that he was having an affair with his wife.

Rajesh filed an appeal against the appointment of the special public prosecutor (SPP). His counsel argued the state government did not follow rules while appointing advocate C H Hanumantharaya.

Government counsel submitted that public interest necessitated the SPP appointment. The counsel also submitted that the court had rejected Rajesh's bail application, as he is likely to tamper evidence.

Rajesh and his father Gopalakrishna are accused of killing Amith Keshavamurthy for allegedly having an affair with Rajesh's wife, Shruthi Gowda. Shruthi was a panchayat development officer in Gollahalli, Nelamangala.

In January 2017, Amith and Shruthi were sitting in her car near Acharya College when Rajesh and Gopalakrishna fired on Amith thrice before fleeing. Following the death of Rajesh, Shruthi checked into a hotel and allegedly hanged herself.