On Thursday, the Supreme Court refused to consider the anticipatory bail petition of Byrathi Basavaraj, a BJP legislator from Karnataka, in connection with the murder of realtor Shivaprakash, known as Biklu Shiva, which took place on July 15. This decision represents a significant legal challenge for Basavaraj. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasised that, as a public figure, Basavaraj ought to demonstrate the courage to face trial, suggesting that he could seek regular bail once detained.

Return to Bengaluru and Anticipated Arrest

In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling, Basavaraj, who had reportedly been evading arrest in Gujarat after an earlier denial of anticipatory bail by the Karnataka High Court on February 10, is returning to Bengaluru. His arrival at Kempegowda International Airport is expected this evening, where a team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is prepared to apprehend him immediately.

High Court’s Previous Ruling on Bail

The Supreme Court’s decision follows a ruling from the Karnataka High Court, which had also declined to grant anticipatory bail to Basavaraj in the murder case. This ruling effectively rescinded the interim protection previously established by a vacation bench. The High Court noted the seriousness of the allegations, indicating that ongoing protection could hinder custodial interrogation, given Basavaraj’s political influence.

Lookout Notice and Ongoing Investigation

Alongside the High Court’s decision, the CID issued a lookout notice for Basavaraj, aiming to prevent him from exiting the country while the investigation is underway. The authorities have deemed his custodial interrogation essential for advancing the case.

Details of the Murder Case

Shivaprakash, commonly referred to as Biklu Shiva, was shot dead outside his residence in Bengaluru, with motivations for the murder reportedly linked to a property dispute. Basavaraj has been named as the fifth accused in the first information report registered by the city police. Investigators have suggested that call detail records and other evidence connect him to major suspects involved in the case.

Arguments in Supreme Court Proceedings

During the proceedings, Basavaraj’s legal counsel argued that there was no direct association between him and the principal accused. However, the Supreme Court bench highlighted allegations of conspiracy and indicated that there are materials suggesting links between Basavaraj and other individuals implicated in the murder.

CID Prepared for Arrest

The presence of the CID team at the airport indicates that authorities are fully prepared to apprehend Basavaraj as soon as he arrives, emphasising the necessity of custodial interrogation for the investigation’s progression. The Supreme Court clarified that its decision to deny anticipatory bail does not prevent Basavaraj from applying for regular bail upon surrender.

Legal and Political Ramifications

The murder case has become a focal point of legal and political tensions in Karnataka, attracting substantial attention as the proceedings advance to subsequent stages. The implications of this case are being closely monitored by various stakeholders.