Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 16: BJP MLA and former minister Byrathi Basavaraj has found himself at the centre of a controversy after being named in a murder case involving the killing of a rowdy-sheeter in Bengaluru. The incident, which occurred on July 15 night, has raised serious allegations against the sitting legislator and his close aides, leading to legal and political repercussions.

Rowdy-sheeter murdered outside home

Shivakumar alias Biklu Shiva, who had a criminal history, was attacked by a group of five men with lethal weapons near his residence close to Halasuru Lake. The assailants fled after the brutal assault. A case was registered based on a complaint filed by his mother, Vijayalakshmi, at the Bharathinagar police station.

The FIR names multiple individuals, including Byrathi Basavaraj, his aide Jagadish alias Jagga, and a relative named Kiran. The complaint alleges that the MLA abetted the murder.

Victim had written to police seeking protection

It has now emerged that Shivakumar had written to the Bengaluru police commissioner three months ago, expressing fear for his life. In the letter, he alleged that the MLA and his associates were threatening him to part with land at prices far below market value. He claimed they were using political clout to forcibly acquire property and intimidate him with false legal cases.

Shivakumar had specifically named Basavaraj, Jagadish, and Kiran, accusing them of extortion, land grabbing, criminal conspiracy, and threatening to kill him if he failed to comply. He urged the police to file an FIR and provide protection to him and his family.

Basavaraj denies allegations, calls them politically motivated

Reacting to the FIR, Byrathi Basavaraj addressed the media in Bengaluru and denied any connection with the murder. “I came to know about the FIR through the media. I have no idea about the murder or any land dispute. This is clearly an attempt to damage my reputation,” he said.

He further stated that the disputed property mentioned in the complaint is located in Mahadevapura, which does not fall under his KR Puram constituency. “What connection do I have with that land? This is politically motivated. The police could have spoken to me directly,” he said.

Swearing by God, he said he had no prior knowledge of the incident and would have personally contacted police officials had he known. “It’s painful that someone who has always worked respectfully is being targeted like this,” he said.

MLA moves High Court fearing arrest

Fearing arrest in the case, Basavaraj has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the FIR. The petition has been filed and is expected to come up for hearing before Justice Krishna Kumar’s bench. He has also reportedly briefed BJP state president B Y Vijayendra about the matter.

Police intensify probe, examine criminal links

Investigating officers have launched a deeper probe into the connections between Basavaraj and the co-accused. Jagadish alias Jagga, a known associate of the MLA, is said to have been involved in multiple civil disputes and land settlement cases across Bengaluru. Cases are reportedly pending against him in police stations including Hennur, Indiranagar, and Bharathinagar.

Police are examining the accused’s dealings over the past decade and reviewing earlier complaints filed by Shivakumar. It has come to light that a previous FIR against Jagadish was stayed by a court, raising questions about how those complaints were handled.

The commissioner has directed an internal inquiry to assess whether there was any negligence or deliberate inaction by police officials in earlier instances.

Political implications and silence from BJP

The case has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties calling for an impartial investigation. As of now, the BJP leadership has not made any public statement regarding the MLA’s involvement or the party’s internal response.

The case has cast a spotlight on the alleged nexus between politics and criminal elements in Bengaluru’s real estate sector and is expected to remain in focus in the days to come.