Rowdy-sheeter murder case: Karnataka HC asks BJP MLA to appear for enquiry

Bengaluru, Jul 18 (PTI) The Karnataka High Court on Friday asked BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, who is accused in the murder of a rowdy-sheeter in city to appear for questioning before the relevant authorities on July 19 at 11.30 am.

The court has instructed that the inquiry must adhere to the provisions of Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS).

Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shivu was hacked to death at Bharathi Nagar in the city on Tuesday night.

Basavaraj, named as the fifth accused in the First Information Report (FIR), has approached the court to quash the FIR, alleging that it was filed without merit.

Vijayalakshmi, the mother of the deceased, claimed she did not name Basavaraj in her initial complaint. She alleged that the police added his name independently, raising questions about the FIR’s validity.

The prosecution, represented by Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) B A Belliyappa, argued that Basavaraj may have influenced the complainant within 24 hours of the murder, potentially to leverage the court’s orders for protection.

The HC has provided temporary relief to Basavaraj, restraining the police from arresting him until Monday.

The MLA, represented by senior advocate Sandesh J Chouta, approached the court challenging the police notice issued against him. PTI COR JR KH