Published Feb 15, 2026 | 9:08 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 15, 2026 | 9:08 PM
BJP MLA and former Minister Byrathi Basavaraj
Synopsis: Karnataka BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj has been remanded to seven days’ CID custody in connection with the murder of VG Shivaprakash in Bengaluru last year. He was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport on 12 February after the Supreme Court refused anticipatory bail.
Karnataka BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj has been remanded to seven days’ CID custody in connection with the murder of VG Shivaprakash (44), alias Bikla Shiva, in Bengaluru last year.
The former minister was arrested on Thursday, 12 February, at Kempegowda International Airport after the Supreme Court refused anticipatory bail. The arrest came days after the Karnataka High Court also declined relief.
After his arrest, the MLA underwent a mandatory medical examination and raised concerns about a cardiac condition.
Doctors sought an opinion from a specialised hospital. Based on that opinion, a Bengaluru court on Friday directed that Basavaraj be admitted to the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research for evaluation.
On Sunday, after doctors certified that he was medically stable, he was produced before the magistrate at the judge’s residence.
VG Shivaprakash was attacked by a group of eight to nine men wielding lethal weapons when he stepped out of his house for a smoke on 15 July 2025. His driver, Imran, was also assaulted and injured.
Following a complaint by the victim’s mother, Vijayalakshmi, police registered an FIR Basavaraj, who represents the KR Pura constituency, among others.
Vijayalakshmi alleged that her son had purchased a piece of land in 2023 and put up a shed on it. She said the property was encroached upon on 11 February 2025.
In her complaint, she said her son had received a threatening call from a man identified as Jagadish, who demanded that he transfer the General Power of Attorney (GPA) for the disputed property.
She further stated that her son had filed a complaint with the Bengaluru Police Commissioner in February 2025, citing a threat to his life and naming Jagadish, Kiran and Basavaraj.
Shivaprakash had also submitted a video clip to police in which he was seen being threatened by Jagadish, alias Jagga, described as a close associate of Basavaraj.
In the February complaint, Shivaprakash said he was a partner in a real estate firm called Extreme Point and had obtained the GPA in 2024 for development of a land parcel in Kitagnur in Bengaluru East taluk.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
