Byrati Basavaraj gets bail, loyalists say ‘victim’ of political target

Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court (HC) granted interim anticipatory bail to MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in connection with the realtor murder case, marking a key development in the legal battle. The loyalists of K R Pura MLA talking to blrpost.com said “he is a victim of political targeting.” 

On December 19, the HC rejected his anticipatory bail plea but quashed the application of the stringent Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA), allowing him to seek bail from a lower court. 

However, on December 23, a special court for MPs and MLAs rejected his bail application, prompting the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to intensify arrest efforts and issue a lookout notice. Basavaraj again approached the HC on December 24. 

On December 26, the court granted him interim protection, directing his release if arrested and ordering cooperation with investigators, while adjourning the matter to January 6, 2026.

The loyalists of Basacaraj say he was politically targeted by top Congress leaders and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has heeded to these leaders. While the bail is a first step towards victory, he has a long legal battle ahead.

The CID filed a 4,236-page supplementary chargesheet on December 22 in connection with the murder of realtor V G Shivaprakash, popularly known as Biklu Shiva. The chargesheet names 18 accused, identifying realtor Jagadish, also known as Jagga, as the prime accused. MLA Byrathi Basavaraj and an advocate were not included in this particular chargesheet, although Basavaraj continues to be listed as Accused No. 5 in the overall case records.

Earlier, the CID had issued a lookout circular against Basavaraj when he was untraceable, aiming to prevent him from leaving the country before he secured interim bail.

Biklu Shiva, a 40-year-old history-sheeter turned realtor, was brutally hacked to death by an armed gang outside his Bharathinagar residence in Bengaluru on the night of July 15, 2025. Investigators cited intense business rivalry and long-standing property disputes as the primary motive. A YouTube video uploaded by Shiva shortly before his death is believed to have acted as an immediate trigger for the attack.

Prime accused Jagadish was arrested in late August 2025 at Delhi Airport after fleeing to Dubai, and more than 16 arrests have been made so far.

‘Political target’

A loyalist of Basavaraj who did not wish to be named in the report said as MLA is capable of arranging resources for the BJP, he was unfairly targeted. A few top Congress leaders want to end his political career as he is growing as an undisputed leader in K R Pura.  

The loyalist further said any local MLA in North Bengaluru is familiar to realtors and it does not mean he/she would participate in a murder. A mere photo and a meeting with the accused does not become compelling evidence in murder. The MLA Basavaraju has always been open to meeting people in his constituency and discussing problems. 

The loyalists said a section of Congress leaders, particularly Byrati Suresh, Minister for Urban Development and Town Planning allegedly ill-advised Siddaramaiah to make Basavaraj a scapegoat in the crime. 

In a changed political scenario, if D K Shivakumar becomes CM, the government may fall. If this was to happen as expected by the BJP high command, Basavaraj is a key person to carry out ‘maneuvers in connection to resources’ to catapult the party to power. This is also a prime reason for his targeting, the loyalist alleged.