Will Karnataka HC Grant Bail to MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in Rowdy-Sheeter Murder Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has granted conditional anticipatory bail to BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in a rowdy-sheeter murder case. This decision comes after the CID failed to present sufficient evidence against him, raising questions about the legitimacy of the charges.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court grants bail to MLA Byrathi Basavaraj.
- CID failed to present evidence against Basavaraj.
- Basavaraj is involved in a high-profile murder case.
- Legal proceedings continue with a hearing scheduled for January 2026.
- Public interest remains high regarding the implications of this case.
Bengaluru, Dec 26 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has granted conditional anticipatory bail to former minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in connection with a rowdy-sheeter murder case.
A bench led by Justice G. Basavaraja issued the ruling after noting that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had not provided adequate justification in its chargesheet implicating Basavaraj.
While permitting his release should he be arrested, the bench postponed the hearing until January 6, 2026, and instructed the CID to submit its objections.
Senior counsel Sandesh Chowta, representing Basavaraj, remarked that five months had passed since the CID initiated its investigation and, despite thorough inquiries, no evidence against his client had emerged.
“The CID has not summoned him for questioning even once in these five months,” Chowta informed the court.
Previously, the Karnataka Police had initiated a search operation for the former minister concerning the murder case. The CID also issued a lookout notice against him to prevent any attempts to leave the country.
Basavaraj had been unreachable for eight days, prompting the formation of three special police teams to locate him in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Goa.
He has been charged with murder and is identified as the fifth accused in the killing of Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shiva, a rowdy-sheeter who was brutally murdered outside his home in July 2025.
The FIR was filed by the victim’s mother, Vijayalaxmi, at the Bharatinagar Police Station in Bengaluru.
Basavaraj has repeatedly denied any connection to the crime, asserting that he is innocent.
He represents the K.R. Puram Assembly constituency in Bengaluru and was previously a close associate of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before shifting allegiance to the BJP.
This week, the Special Court for MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru rejected Basavaraj’s bail application concerning the murder case, making his arrest seem imminent.
During the hearing at the Special Court, senior counsel Ashok Naik, representing the CID, stated that despite being aware of the court proceedings, the accused MLA had been evading capture since December 18.
Point of View
We maintain a commitment to unbiased reporting. The recent bail granted to MLA Byrathi Basavaraj highlights the complexities within the legal system, especially in cases involving political figures. This development raises essential questions about the ongoing investigation and the CID's handling of evidence. Our coverage aims to inform the public while upholding the principles of justice and transparency.
NationPress
31/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Byrathi Basavaraj?
Byrathi Basavaraj has been charged with murder and is identified as the fifth accused in the killing of a rowdy-sheeter named Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shiva.
What did the Karnataka High Court decide?
The Karnataka High Court granted conditional anticipatory bail to Byrathi Basavaraj, allowing for his release should he be arrested.
What is the CID's role in this case?
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is responsible for investigating the murder case and had previously failed to provide sufficient evidence against Basavaraj.
Why was Basavaraj untraceable?
Basavaraj was untraceable for eight days, prompting the formation of special police teams to locate him across multiple states.
What is the next step in this legal matter?
The matter has been adjourned to January 6, 2026, with the CID required to file its objections.
