Sidlaghatta official threat case: Court denies interim bail to Rajeev Gowda, orders judicial custody until February 9

Chikkaballapur ; The Sidlaghatta JMFC Court on Tuesday denied interim bail to accused Rajeev Gowda in the case of abusive language and threats against municipal commissioner Amruth Gowda. The court ordered Rajeev Gowda to remain in judicial custody until February 9. Meanwhile, a Mangaluru-based businessman who allegedly harbored Rajeev Gowda during his evasion has been granted bail.

Strong arguments from government lawyer
During the proceedings, Assistant Public Prosecutor Mohammad Khaja highlighted the severity of the case against Rajeev Gowda. He stated that the accused had verbally abused a female official in an extremely offensive manner, the details of which were too sensitive to be publicly disclosed. The prosecutor noted that Rajeev Gowda had evaded law enforcement for 12 days, and his mobile phone was yet to be recovered. “It is crucial to investigate all locations where the accused sought shelter, which necessitates his custody,” Khaja told the court. He also drew attention to the gravity of the case under Section BNS 132.

Defense plea rejected
Senior advocate Vivek Subbareddy, representing Rajeev Gowda, argued that the complaint was politically motivated. He stated that the incident occurred two days prior to the filing of the complaint and that the accused had publicly apologized through the media. The defense requested interim bail, claiming that the provisions of the law were being misused to send the accused to jail unnecessarily.

After hearing both sides, the court rejected the interim bail application, directing Rajeev Gowda to remain in judicial custody until February 9.

Background
Rajeev Gowda, who had been absconding for 14 days, was apprehended near the Kerala border on January 26. The Mangaluru businessman who had allegedly provided shelter to him, identified as Michael, was also taken into police custody and brought to Sidlaghatta. Both accused underwent medical examination before being produced before the court. While Rajeev Gowda remains in custody, Michael has been granted bail.

This case continues to draw public attention due to the political and sensitive nature of threats against a female municipal official. The court’s strict order underscores the judiciary’s stance on such matters.