Is There a Political Agenda Behind Police Action Against MLA Byrathi in Murder Case?

Bengaluru, July 19 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has vocally protested the police's actions regarding its party MLA and former minister Byrathi Basavaraj, who has been implicated in the murder of a rowdy-sheeter. The police have identified MLA Basavaraj as the fifth accused in this case and have summoned him for questioning. In light of the BJP's outcry, Karnataka's Home Minister clarified that there are no political motives driving the police's actions against MLA Byrathi in this murder investigation.

He is set to appear before the police on Saturday.

In response to the BJP's accusations, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara emphasized that there is no underlying political agenda in the police's actions concerning Basavaraj.

BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra, addressing the media in Kalaburagi, claimed that the Congress party is attempting to 'eliminate' one of its key leaders from the Backward Class, Basavaraj.

"Despite his clarifications regarding his lack of involvement in the case, and even the deceased's mother affirming that she did not name Basavaraj, the government continues its conspiracy against him," Vijayendra asserted.

He accused the government of trying to intimidate BJP MLAs through FIRs and police actions.

"Previously, they attempted to arrest BJP MLA Harish Poonja as well," he added.

He contended that Basavaraj enjoys widespread support due to his community service.

"Unable to accept his rising popularity, a murder conspiracy has been fabricated against him. However, this scheme will soon be exposed. The BJP stands resolutely with Basavaraj," he stated.

Vijayendra further accused the state government, which is faltering due to incompetence, corruption, and inner turmoil, of resorting to desperate tactics to distract the public's attention.

"By lodging false police complaints and targeting BJP MLAs with unfounded accusations, Congress aims to tarnish their reputations," he charged.

Countering the BJP's claims, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated to the press on Saturday in Bengaluru, "What do you mean by politically motivated? Our administration has been in power for 2.6 years. How many cases have been politically motivated? What type of politics are BJP leaders engaging in regarding Byrathi Basavaraj's case?"

He added, "Had the deceased's mother not mentioned MLA Byrathi Basavaraj's name in the FIR, this matter wouldn’t have arisen. Now that his name is involved, he must appear for questioning, and the police will document his statement and continue the investigation in accordance with the law."

It is important to note that the High Court had previously denied Basavaraj immunity from arrest. Tension remains elevated, as any attempt to arrest him could provoke significant backlash from the BJP.

Basavaraj represents the K.R. Puram Assembly constituency in Bengaluru. Once a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he later switched to the BJP. His younger brother, Byrathi Suresh, is currently a trusted aide of CM Siddaramaiah and serves as the Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning.

Basavaraj faces murder charges and is identified as the fifth accused in the killing of Shivaprakash, also known as Biklu Shiva, who was brutally murdered outside his home on Tuesday night. The FIR was lodged by the victim's mother, Vijayalaxmi, at the Bharatinagar Police Station in Bengaluru.