BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj quizzed again over Bengaluru realtor’s murder: key accused may have fled country

On Wednesday, Byrathi Basavaraj appeared before Assistant Commissioner of Police Prakash Rathod at the Bharti Nagar police station around noon for interrogation. He is among the accused in the murder case.

After the interrogation, Basavaraj denied any involvement in the killing. “I answered all their questions and have been served notice to appear whenever summoned. No specific date was given, but I’ve assured full cooperation,” he told reporters.

The MLA said that he does not have any connection to the murder, stating that his constituents may get photos clicked with him, but that would not imply any criminal association. “I have no links to any arrested or absconding suspects. The police called me because my name appeared in the FIR, and I will continue cooperating,” Basavaraj said.

Byrathi Basavaraj was earlier questioned in the case following a direction from the Karnataka High Court.

On 15 July, a group of people hacked Shiva Kumar alias Biklu Shivu to death while he was standing outside his house in Halasuru with his friend and a driver, according to the FIR in the case.

The police have arrested 11 people in the case, and the prime suspect, Jagadeesh alias Jagga is absconding.

A police source said, “We suspect that he fled the country on the day or after a day of the murder.”

The investigations have revealed that Shiva Kumar was murdered over a property dispute. There have been allegations that the police had ignored Shiva Kumar’s complaint that he had received death threats.