Karnataka BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj booked in Bengaluru realtor’s murder, denies role

In her complaint to the police, Kumar’s mother, Vijayalakshmi, said she witnessed the murder from the balcony of her house. Vijayalakshmi named K R Puram MLA Basavaraj, alleging he was the mastermind, and Jagadish, Kiran, Vimal and Anil.

Basavaraj denied the allegations on Wednesday and said that the development was “politically motivated”.

According to Vijayalakshmi’s complaint, Kumar was in the real estate business. In 2023, he had registered the General Power of Attorney (GPA) of a property in his name. Later, he built a compound and a shed, and some workers were staying there, she said.

On February 11 this year, Kiran, Jagadish and others allegedly barged into the property and chased the workers in the shed. Then, they allegedly called Kumar and threatened to kill him if he did not give up the property, Vijayalakshmi said in her complaint, adding that since then, Kumar had been getting death threats.

Kumar had approached the Bengaluru police commissioner and filed a complaint stating that it was at Basavaraj’s behest that the men were issuing death threats, Vijayalakshmi alleged.

The police have registered a case under Section 103 (murder) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A police officer said Kumar had a criminal record with many cases against him.

“The property in question falls under the Mahadevapura Assembly segment. What interest will I have there? I don’t even know who Shiva Kumar was. If he had complained, alleging that I was behind the death threats, why was I not questioned even once by the police?” Basavaraj questioned on Wednesday. “I will speak to the home minister asking why my name was added. It appears that it is politically motivated, and I will take the legal route,” he added.