Karnataka High Court Grants Bail To Man Booked For Murder Of Labourer Who Allegedly Raised 'Pakistan Zindabad' Slogan During Cricket Match

The Karnataka High Court has granted bail to an accused in a case relating to the death of a person, a daily wager from Kerala, who was allegedly assaulted by a group after he raised the slogan “Pakistan Pakistan Zindabad” during a local cricket match in Mangaluru.

Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar granted bail to Natesh Kumar, who was one of the accused, and directed his release in an FIR registered last year.

According to the prosecution, the deceased had entered the ground during the match and raised “Pakistan Pakistan Zindabad” slogan. Following this, players and spectators allegedly chased and assaulted him with hands and clubs, resulting in his death.

It was Kumar's case that the charge sheet was filed and thus, he was not required for further custodial interrogation. He said that he was in judicial custody since April 29, 2025, and some other co accused had been granted bail by the Sessions Court.

The prosecution argued that Kumar and another accused got chilly powder from their house and threw it in the eyes and body of the deceased. It was submitted that they had also instigated other accused to assault the deceased.

After perusing the charge sheet and materials on record, the Court noted that the fatal assault with clubs was attributed to certain other accused, who had already been granted bail.

The Court also took into account that the petitioner had no criminal antecedents, the investigation was complete, and further custodial interrogation was not required.

Title: SRI NATESH KUMAR v. THE STATE OF KARNATAKA

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