Rowdy sheeter’s murder in Bengaluru: BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj questioned on his role, links with suspects

Bengaluru: BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj on Saturday afternoon appeared before the Bengaluru police for questioning in the case related to the recent murder of a rowdy sheeter.

Shivakumar alias Biklu Shiva, 40, was murdered near his residence in Meanee Avenue Road in Bharathinagar on the night of July 15. Five suspects have been arrested after they surrendered before the police, claiming responsibility for the murder.

Basavaraj, who was named accused number 5 in the First Information Report (FIR), appeared before Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Prakash Rathod, who is heading the investigation, at a little past 2.45 pm.

The BJP MLA was compelled to appear before the police after being directed by the High Court to do so. The top court was hearing his plea challenging the FIR.

According to sources in the police, the investigating officer asked the MLA if he had any links with the suspects who were arrested. His links with an absconding suspect, Jagadish alias Jagga, named as accused 1 in the FIR, were also questioned, sources told DH.

The MLA, however, has denied any links. He was let go by the investigating officer a little after 6 pm. "I have been asked to appear again on Wednesday, July 23. I will come and cooperate with the probe. I clearly told the investigators that I don't have any role in the murder," Basavaraj told reporters after his interrogation.

As per the FIR registered by the Bharathi Nagar police, Basavaraj is accused of backing the assailants who confessed to having murdered Shivakumar following a past rivalry and property-related disputes, and issuing threats to the deceased. The BJP MLA was first served a notice of appearance by the police on July 17, late in the evening.