No bail for Karnataka BJP MLA in rowdy-sheeter murder case, Look Out Notice issued

A Karnataka court on Tuesday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in connection with the murder of rowdy-sheeter Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shivu, who was hacked to death in the city on July 15 this year.

With the dismissal of the plea, Basavaraj, who is alleged to be untraceable, can now be arrested at any time by the investigating agency.

This comes days after the Karnataka High Court also denied him anticipatory bail on December 19. During the probe, the police began examining Basavaraj’s alleged role in the murder, and he has been listed as the fifth accused in the FIR.

Senior advocate Sandesh Chauta appeared for Basavaraj, while Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Ashok Naik represented the CID.

Naik placed a copy of the charge sheet before the court and pointed out that crucial tower location details were recorded on page 298. He also informed the court that investigators had found evidence of a telephone conversation between accused No.1 and No.5. Naik argued that further key links in the case could emerge only after Basavaraj’s arrest and custodial interrogation.

Countering the prosecution’s claims, Chauta argued that the case against the MLA was based on assumptions of conspiracy and intent, without concrete evidence. He said that even five months after the incident, investigators had not gathered material establishing his client’s involvement.

He further submitted that accused No.1, Jaga, was trying to artificially implicate Basavaraj by citing unrelated social interactions such as attending a birthday party and visiting the Kumbh Mela. Chauta also stated that despite Basavaraj expressing willingness to cooperate, no summons had been issued to him.

After hearing arguments, Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhatt reserved the order earlier in the day and later pronounced the rejection of the bail plea.

Meanwhile, the CID on Wednesday issued a Look-Out Notice against Basavaraj, a day after the court’s decision. Officials said the notice was issued to prevent him from leaving the country as the investigation intensifies.

- Ends