Shidlaghatta municipal commissioner threat case: court grants conditional bail to accused Rajeev Gowda

Chikkaballapura ; The Shidlaghatta JMFC court on Thursday granted conditional bail to Rajeev Gowda, the accused in a case involving alleged verbal abuse and criminal intimidation of Shidlaghatta Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda. The court issued strict conditions, including a warning against celebratory acts following his release.

Rajeev Gowda, who was arrested after remaining absconding for nearly 14 days, was produced before the court after the completion of spot inspections in Mangaluru as part of the investigation. Judicial Magistrate Mohammad Roshan Shah ordered his release on bail after considering arguments from both sides.

As per the court order, the accused has been directed to execute a surety bond of ₹50,000 and cooperate fully with the ongoing police investigation. The judge also specifically cautioned Rajeev Gowda against bursting crackers or indulging in any form of celebration after securing bail, observing that such acts could amount to misconduct and invite further legal consequences.

Earlier, the court had remanded Rajeev Gowda to 14 days of judicial custody following his arrest near the Kerala border. Subsequently, police sought his custody to conduct spot inspections and collect additional evidence. The court granted two days of police custody, during which Rajeev Gowda was taken to Mangaluru for a mahazar related to the case.

The bail plea submitted by Rajeev Gowda’s counsel was heard on Thursday, following which the court granted conditional bail, citing the completion of custodial interrogation.

The case pertains to an alleged incident in which Rajeev Gowda reportedly abused and threatened Municipal Commissioner Amrutha Gowda over the removal of an unauthorised banner in Shidlaghatta town. According to the complaint, the accused used obscene language during a phone call and allegedly issued threats to her life.

Based on the complaint filed by the commissioner, the Shidlaghatta police registered an FIR and launched a manhunt after the accused went into hiding. Police sources said multiple teams were deployed to trace him, and notices were issued at his residence.

After nearly two weeks, Rajeev Gowda was arrested near the Kerala border, where he was allegedly hiding with the support of a Mangaluru-based businessman. The investigation is ongoing, police said.