BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj Questioned in Murder Case; HC Grants Interim Protection from Arrest
Bengaluru: BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, who has been named as Accused No. 5 in the murder of rowdy-sheeter-turned-realtor Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shivu (40), was questioned by the Bengaluru police for over three hours on Saturday, officials confirmed.
The murder took place on Tuesday night in Bharathi Nagar, and five individuals — Jagadish, Kiran, Vimal, Anil, and Fredrick — have already been arrested in connection with the case.
Following a direction from the Karnataka High Court, Basavaraj appeared for questioning on July 19. A senior police official said, “The MLA joined the investigation and was questioned for more than three hours. A detailed inquiry is ongoing, and further action will be based on its outcome.”
Addressing reporters after the session, Basavaraj stated: “I’ve cooperated with the inquiry. Police have informed me I may be called again on July 23, and I will comply. I’ve made it clear that I have no role in this case.” When asked about the co-accused, he said, “I don’t know any Jagadish.”
Basavaraj, who is seeking to quash the FIR filed against him, has claimed the complaint is baseless and politically motivated. His name was allegedly not mentioned in the original complaint filed by the victim’s mother, Vijayalakshmi, who later claimed the police had added it unilaterally.
During court proceedings, Special Public Prosecutor B A Belliyappa argued that Basavaraj may have tried to influence the complainant within 24 hours of the murder, potentially to misuse court protection mechanisms.
The Karnataka High Court has granted interim relief to the MLA, restraining the police from arresting him until July 21, pending further hearing.
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