Bengaluru, Dec 23 (NationPress) The Special Court designated for MLAs and MPs in Bengaluru has rejected the bail plea submitted by former Karnataka Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Byrathi Basavaraj concerning the murder of a rowdy-sheeter.

Basavaraj stands as the fifth accused in this case, making his arrest likely.

Senior attorney Ashok Naik, representing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), noted that despite the Karnataka High Court's directive, the accused MLA has been evading authorities since December 18.

Naik emphasized that in murder cases, there is no necessity to issue a notice to the accused.

"The accused individuals, including MLA Basavaraj, allegedly plotted and executed the murder. The main accused, Jagadish, was in communication with MLA Byrathi Basavaraj. Evidence has been provided to demonstrate that both the primary accused and MLA Basavaraj traveled together to the Kumbh Mela. Basavaraj had prior disputes with the deceased over temple property. Although Byrathi Basavaraj is associated with the real estate sector, his activity appears minimal," Naik stated.

Discussing the Avalahalli land dispute, the attorney mentioned that Basavaraj previously lodged a complaint against the deceased.

He also pointed out that the MLA's associates were implicated in the conflict over the land with the victim.

"The primary accused allegedly informed MLA Basavaraj about the murder and subsequently fled abroad, as evidenced by tower location data," he said.

Naik further argued that the accused BJP MLA aided the primary suspect in escaping overseas.

"Call records confirm that MLA Basavaraj directed the other suspects to surrender," he added.

The CID's counsel presented technical evidence, including Call Detail Records (CDRs) and tower location data, to back these claims.

Countering the CID's statements, the defense counsel for MLA Byrathi Basavaraj argued that more than five months had elapsed since the incident.

"The investigation team had been inactive for five months and is now requesting custodial interrogation," he remarked.

He added that a charge sheet had already been filed against 18 individuals, of whom seven to eight were unknown to the victim, yet MLA Basavaraj is cited as the fifth accused.

He further claimed that after the case was handed to the CID, no summons were issued to MLA Basavaraj.

"How could he engage in the investigation without being served summons? There is no substantial evidence linking him to the case beyond his name appearing in the FIR," the defense counsel expressed.

Expressing his readiness to assist with the investigation, MLA Basavaraj maintained that he would be available for questioning as needed.

In response to the allegations, MLA Basavaraj claimed no connection to the case.

He serves the K.R. Puram Assembly constituency in Bengaluru.

A former close associate of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Basavaraj shifted allegiance to the BJP.

He faces murder charges and has been identified as the fifth accused in the killing of Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shiva, who was brutally slain outside his home in July 2025.

The FIR was lodged by the victim's mother, Vijayalaxmi, at the Bharatinagar Police Station in Bengaluru.