The Special Court for MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru rejected the bail plea of ex-Karnataka Minister and BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj related to a rowdy-sheeter’s murder. Basavaraj, the fifth accused in the case, faces imminent arrest for allegedly conspiring in the murder. The CID highlighted Basavaraj’s absconding since December 18 despite the Karnataka High Court’s order.
Senior counsel Ashok Naik, representing the CID, stated that no notice is required in a murder case, emphasizing Basavaraj’s involvement in the crime. Naik revealed that the prime accused and Basavaraj had traveled together to Kumbh Mela, linking the murder to a dispute over temple land. The counsel also mentioned Basavaraj’s real estate business involvement and his aides’ role in a land dispute with the victim.
Opposing the CID’s stance, Basavaraj’s counsel argued the delay in seeking custodial interrogation and the absence of summons for Basavaraj. The defence maintained that Basavaraj was willing to cooperate with the investigation and denied any connection to the case. Basavaraj, representing K.R. Puram Assembly constituency in Bengaluru, faces murder charges in the killing of Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shiva in July 2025.
