Karnataka BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj Arrested in Murder Case

Bengaluru: Prominent BJP leader and former Karnataka minister B A Byrathi Basavaraj has been arrested in connection with a murder case involving a real estate businessman. The MLA from the K R Puram constituency was taken into custody by police as soon as he landed at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru from Ahmedabad. Officials waiting at Terminal 1 apprehended him following the Supreme Court’s refusal to entertain his anticipatory bail plea.

Basavaraj faces allegations in the murder of real estate businessman V G Shivaprakash, also known as Biklu Shivu, who was brutally killed on July 15, 2025, in the Bharathi Nagar area of Bengaluru. The attack involved a group of assailants who allegedly hacked him to death with iron rods and clubs.

The Karnataka High Court had earlier denied Basavaraj anticipatory bail, and his subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court was also unsuccessful, clearing the way for police to take him into custody.

Basavaraj is named as the fifth accused in the case. Hours before his arrest, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said it would be better for the BJP leader to surrender to authorities.

Investigators have linked the murder to a property dispute, and the CID has been probing the case, with numerous other suspects arrested.