Incident & arrests
Bengaluru: Police have approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to vacate the stay on coercive action against BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in the murder case of real estate operator V.G. Shivaprakash (Bikla Shiva). Shiva was brutally murdered outside his residence near Ulsoor Lake in East Bengaluru on July 15, 2025.
Investigators say the murder may have been linked to a 12-acre property dispute in Kithaganur. MLA Basavaraj has been named as accused number five in the FIR, while his close aide Jagadish Padmanabha (alias Jaga) is identified as the prime suspect. Several other associates have been arrested, and six accused were denied bail by a special court citing threat to public order.
Legal developments
The High Court had earlier granted Basavaraj protection from arrest, subject to cooperation with the investigation. Police claim the MLA has not fully cooperated and have moved the court to vacate the stay on coercive action. The case is being investigated under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA), highlighting its severity and possible organised crime connections.
Context & implications
The case has drawn attention to alleged influence of real estate mafias in Bengaluru and their links with political figures. Shiva had reportedly received threats regarding the disputed property prior to his murder. Police actions and court proceedings in the coming weeks are expected to have wider political and legal ramifications.
Next steps
The Karnataka High Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 8, 2025, to consider police requests regarding coercive action against MLA Basavaraj.
Conclusion
The Bikla Shiva murder case underscores the intersection of real estate disputes, organised crime, and politics in Bengaluru. The High Court’s decision on the police plea will be closely watched for its legal and political implications.