CID begins search for BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in murder case

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has formed a special team to trace BJP MLA and former Minister Byrathi Basavaraj after the High Court rejected his plea for anticipatory bail in the murder case of rowdy-turned-realtor Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shiva.

A CID source told The Hindu that a team is searching for the MLA, who is believed to be in another State. According to the officer, certain technical evidence and payment details uncovered during investigations contradict the claims made by Basavaraj during interrogation. While one team is tasked with tracing him, another has continued investigations in the city.

Meanwhile, Basavaraj approached the special court of sessions for criminal cases against present and former MPs and MLAs on December 20, seeking anticipatory bail in the case. The court adjourned the hearing till December 22, asking the prosecution to file its objections.

On December 19, the Karnataka High Court quashed the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA), 2000, invoked against Basavaraj and other accused following investigations into Shivaprakash’s murder. However, it rejected his plea for anticipatory bail and asked him to move the sessions court.

After the judgement, the CID swiftly formed a team to detain the MLA. However, he was absent on the last day of the winter session as well, prompting the CID to widen the search.

Shivaprakash was hacked to death on July 15 near his house in Bharatinagar in east Bengaluru. Police launched a search operation following a complaint filed by Vijayalakshmi, the mother of the deceased. Basavaraj was named as accused number five in the FIR. As investigations revealed crucial links and the case grew in complexity, it was transferred to the CID. So far, 12 arrests have been made, and investigations are continuing.