The Karnataka High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj in connection with the murder of a rowdy sheeter in Bengaluru earlier this year.
The case relates to the killing of Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shivu, who was hacked to death at Bharathi Nagar in July. During the course of investigation, the police began probing the alleged role of Basavaraj and subsequently named him as the fifth accused in the FIR.
Apprehending arrest, the MLA approached the High Court seeking protection from arrest. The petition was heard by Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav, who declined to grant anticipatory bail.
The court directed Basavaraj to approach the trial court with an appropriate application. It also refused to grant any interim protection from arrest, effectively clearing the way for the investigating agencies to summon or arrest the MLA as part of the ongoing probe.
However, the High Court granted limited relief by clarifying that the provisions of the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KOCA) would not be applicable to the case.
The investigation into the murder is continuing.
