No Relief from SC for BJP MLA Basavaraj; CID Set to Take Him Into Custody

SC Refuses Anticipatory Bail to BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj; CID Moves to Arrest at Bengaluru Airport

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to grant anticipatory bail to Karnataka BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in the July 15 murder case of realtor Shivaprakash, alias Biklu Shiva, clearing the way for his arrest. A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that as a public representative, Basavaraj should be “courageous enough” to face the legal process. The court indicated he is free to seek regular bail after surrendering or being taken into custody.

CID Awaits His Arrival

Following the order, Basavaraj — who had reportedly been in Gujarat after the Karnataka High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea on February 10 — is expected to return to Bengaluru. A Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team has reached Kempegowda International Airport to arrest him upon arrival.

Authorities had earlier issued a lookout circular to prevent him from leaving the country amid the ongoing probe.

High Court Had Cited Need for Custodial Interrogation

The Karnataka High Court had refused anticipatory bail and vacated interim protection granted earlier, observing that custodial interrogation could be necessary given the seriousness of the allegations and the MLA’s political influence.

Allegations in the Murder Case

Shivaprakash, known as Biklu Shiva, was shot dead outside his residence in Bengaluru, allegedly over a property dispute.

Basavaraj has been named as the fifth accused in the FIR. Investigators claim call detail records and other material suggest links between him and key accused in the case. His counsel told the Supreme Court that he had no connection with the prime accused, but the bench noted allegations of conspiracy and material indicating association with other suspects.

Next Legal Step

With anticipatory bail denied, Basavaraj now faces imminent arrest. The Supreme Court clarified that its order does not bar him from applying for regular bail once in custody.