Has the Murder Case Involving K'taka MLA Taken a New Turn?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vijayalaxmi denies implicating BJP MLA in her complaint.
- Police have stated they follow procedures when drafting complaints.
- Basavaraj claims he has no connection to the murder.
- The case has political implications for the BJP in Karnataka.
- Investigation continues as new evidence is sought.
Bengaluru, July 17 (NationPress) The murder investigation surrounding a rowdy-sheeter in Bengaluru, purportedly involving BJP legislator and former minister Byrathi Basavaraj, has taken an unexpected turn after the victim’s mother revealed that she never implicated the MLA in her police report.
In a media briefing on Thursday, Vijayalaxmi, the mother of the murdered rowdy-sheeter Shivaprakash, also known as Biklu Shiva, stated: “I have not filed any accusation against BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj. I did not name any suspects. I was in shock and distressed after my son's murder. The police included his name without my consent.”
She further asserted that allegations regarding the BJP MLA’s involvement are unfounded, claiming police officials urged her to frame her complaint in a specific manner, even suggesting she assert that she witnessed the murder. “I have not mentioned his name,” she emphasized.
“I seek protection for my family. My late son’s wife and children deserve compensation,” she said.
However, reports indicate that the complaint submitted to the police by Vijayalaxmi does include the name of BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in the final paragraph. According to police sources, standard procedure dictates that even if officers draft the complaint, it is read back to the complainant for approval before obtaining their signature.
Meanwhile, police insiders have indicated that their investigation has uncovered connections between BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj and the main suspect, Jagadish. Nevertheless, Basavaraj has categorically refuted any ties to the incident, asserting that he has no knowledge of Jagadish.
In response to the Karnataka police's decision to charge him with murder, Byrathi Basavaraj has insisted that he is being wrongfully implicated. He stated, “I do not know the individual who was murdered, nor do I know the perpetrators.”
“I am also unfamiliar with the complainant. Is it permissible for the police to register an FIR simply because someone makes baseless accusations?” he questioned.
Byrathi Basavaraj represents the K. R. Puram Assembly constituency in Bengaluru. Previously, he was a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah before transitioning to the BJP through what is referred to as “Operation Lotus.”
His younger brother, Byrathi Suresh, currently serves as a close advisor to CM Siddaramaiah and holds the position of Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning.
Basavaraj has been charged with murder and identified as the fifth accused in the killing of Shivaprakash, who was brutally murdered outside his home on Tuesday night. The Bharatinagar police in Bengaluru have filed an FIR against the MLA, listing him as the fifth accused, following the complaint lodged by the victim’s mother, Vijayalaxmi.