The Supreme Court has rejected the bail granted to Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni in the murder of BJP worker Yogesh Gowda and has directed the legislator to surrender within one week.

The decision of the Supreme Court comes after the state sought his bail cancellation, alleging that he had tried to influence witnesses in the case.

Cancelling the bail, the Supreme Court said that there is sufficient material on record to suggest that attempts have been made by the Kulkarni to either contact witnesses or, alternatively, influence such witnesses.

The court also said that his bail should be cancelled, keeping in mind the totality of the circumstances.

Following the Supreme Court order, Kulkarni will now have to surrender before the concerned trial court or the jail authority within one week.

The top court has also directed the trial court to conclude the trial in an expedite manner without being influenced by any observations of the Supreme Court.