• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Bengaluru News: BJP MLA from KR Puram, Byrathi Basavaraj, has been named in an FIR filed in connection with the brutal murder of a 44-year-old man near Halasuru Lake in Bengaluru. The deceased, Shiva Kumar alias Bikkalu Shiva, a known rowdy-sheeter, was attacked and killed by a group of assailants on Tuesday evening. Police suspect the murder was linked to an ongoing property dispute.

The incident occurred around 8:10 PM when Shiva was speaking with his driver, Imran Khan and friend Lokesh outside a hotel near his residence in Meanee Avenue Road. A group of 8 to 10 assailants arrived on bikes and in an SUV and launched a violent attack using sharp weapons. Police described the murder as extremely gruesome, stating that the victim’s skull was shattered and his face disfigured. Witnesses dining nearby fled the scene in panic.

ALSO READ: 'Drove Just To Give Keys Back': Bengaluru Man Praises 'Honest' Auto Driver In Reddit Post; Netizens React

According to a NDTV report, the victim’s mother, 68-year-old Vijayalakshmi, who saw the assault from her balcony, filed a complaint naming KR Pura BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj and four others—Jagadish, Kiran, Vimal and Anil—as responsible for her son’s murder. She alleged that her son was killed over a dispute concerning land in Kithaganur village in East Bengaluru.

According to her, Shiva had obtained General Power of Attorney (GPA) rights over a piece of land in 2023 and built a shed there. In February this year, a group led by Jagadish and Kiran allegedly barged into the property, removed security personnel and demanded Shiva transfer the GPA to them. Vijayalakshmi stated that her son began receiving death threats and had filed a police complaint naming Basavaraj as being behind the threats.

Police registered a case at Bharathi Nagar police station under Sections 103 (murder) and 190 (unlawful assembly with common object) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Five suspects have been detained for questioning. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and further investigations are ongoing.

ALSO READ: Karnataka: Occupancy Certificate Not Required For Small Three-Storey Buildings Across State; Details

Responding to the allegations, The Times Of India report cited MLA Byrathi Basavaraj as denying any involvement, calling the FIR “politically motivated”. He said he had no knowledge of Shiva Kumar or the property and was unaware that his name had been mentioned in any previous complaints. “I found out about this through the media. I will speak to the home minister and take legal steps,” he said, adding that he is open to questioning if summoned by the police.

Police officials said notices may soon be issued to those named in the FIR as part of the ongoing investigation.