Bengaluru | In a significant development in the murder case of realtor V G Shivaprakash, alias Bikla Shiva, the Karnataka Police have informed the Karnataka High Court that BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj was in contact with the prime accused, Jagadish P alias Jaga, both before and after the crime. The police’s statement counters Basavaraj’s plea to quash the charges against him and the invocation of the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA) in the case.
Background of the Case
On July 15, 2025, Shivaprakash was murdered in a public street near Halasuru Lake in Bengaluru. The police arrested 17 individuals in connection with the murder, including Jaga, a former gangster with alleged ties to Basavaraj. The murder is believed to be linked to a property dispute in the Kithaganur area of East Bengaluru, with rival groups laying claim to the same property.
Police Findings
The police have presented evidence indicating that Basavaraj had prior and subsequent contact with both the deceased and the principal accused. Additionally, the victim’s mother had filed complaints naming Basavaraj, alleging his involvement in the property dispute that led to her son’s murder.
Legal Proceedings
Basavaraj has moved the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the charges against him and the application of KCOCA. The police’s objections highlight the MLA’s alleged involvement and the serious nature of the crime, urging the court to uphold the charges.