Bengaluru BJP MLA and Advocate Arrested in Rowdy-Sheeter Murder Case
In a significant development, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested KR Pura BJP legislator BA Basavaraja and an advocate named Ajit for their alleged involvement in the murder of a 40-year-old rowdy-sheeter. The arrest occurred nearly seven months after the brutal killing near Ulsoor Lake in Bengaluru.
Arrest at Kempegowda International Airport
The two accused were apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport around 6:30 PM on Thursday upon their arrival from Ahmedabad. Following the arrest, they were transported under tight security to the CID headquarters on Palace Road in Bengaluru. A senior police officer confirmed that Basavaraja and Ajit, identified as accused numbers 5 and 20 respectively, will be produced in court the following day.
Details of the Murder
Rowdy-sheeter Biklu Shiva was hacked to death by an armed gang on July 15, sparking a high-profile investigation. Based on a complaint filed by Shiva's mother, police registered a case against multiple suspects, including Basavaraja. The case later saw the invocation of provisions under the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA), highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.
Business Rivalry as Motive
CID officials have stated that business rivalry in the real estate sector was the primary motive behind the murder. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the case, linking it to competitive and potentially violent disputes within the property market.
Legal Challenges and Court Proceedings
Basavaraja had challenged the invocation of KCOCA in the high court on August 12, and the court quashed the charge on December 19. Subsequently, a vacation bench granted him interim anticipatory bail on December 26. However, in a recent turn of events, a bench rejected the anticipatory bail order on Tuesday. The court observed that interrogation of a powerful and influential accused like Basavaraja might not be as effective if he is armed with an anticipatory bail order. The bench emphasized that decisions on the manner of investigation should be left to the investigating authority, and the court cannot sit in judgment over such matters.
This arrest marks a critical step in the ongoing investigation, shedding light on the alleged connections between political figures and criminal activities in Bengaluru. The case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the motives and circumstances surrounding the murder.
