BSY tape case: K’taka HC orders interim stay on probe

Bengaluru: The Kalburagi bench of Karnataka High Court on Friday issued an interim stay order on an FIR, filed by Sharanagouda Patil against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and others in connection with the recent audiogate scandal. 

The High Court had, on Wednesday, reserved its judgment into the plea filed by Yeddyurappa and others seeking quashing of the FIR in the case.

Earlier on Saturday, the city civil special court had granted anticipatory bail to BS Yeddyurappa, Preetham Gowda, Shivanna Gowda, and Marakal against a surety bond of Rs one lakh each in connection with the case.

On February 11, Sharanagouda, son of Gurmitkal MLA Naganagouda Kandkur had filed a complaint under the Prevention of Corruption Act at Raichur police station against the BJP leaders over an alleged audiotape released by Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy during a press meet held ahead presenting the state budget on February 8. The controversial audio clip allegedly contains a conversation between BJP state president Yeddyurappa and Sharanagouda. Kumaraswamy alleged that Yeddyurappa was purportedly trying to lure a JD(S) MLA.

A separate Special Investigative probe ordered by Karnataka Assembly Speaker Ramesh Kumar and formed by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is also set to take place in the coming days.