Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Byrathi Basavaraj has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with a murder case dating back to 2020. The move comes after a sessions court in Bengaluru rejected his earlier plea for anticipatory bail.
MLA's Legal Move After Sessions Court Setback
The case revolves around the alleged murder of a man named Krishnappa. According to the charges, the incident took place on October 4, 2020, in the Hebbagodi police station limits. The Hebbagodi police had registered a case against the MLA and several others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 302 which pertains to murder.
Byrathi Basavaraj, who represents the Krishnaraja Puram constituency in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, had initially sought protection from arrest from the lower court. However, the Bengaluru sessions court denied his anticipatory bail application, prompting him to move the higher judiciary. His petition before the High Court is now scheduled for a hearing, with the next date set for July 19.
Details of the 2020 Murder Case
The First Information Report (FIR) in this serious case was filed based on a complaint lodged by the brother of the deceased, Krishnappa. The allegations suggest a direct involvement of the MLA and his associates in the crime that led to Krishnappa's death.
In his petition to the High Court, the BJP MLA has contested the allegations. His legal team is expected to argue for pre-arrest bail, claiming the charges are baseless or that his custodial interrogation is not necessary for the investigation. The prosecution and police, however, are likely to oppose the bail, emphasizing the gravity of the offence.
Political Repercussions and Next Steps
This development has significant political implications in Karnataka, where Byrathi Basavaraj is a known figure. The timing of the legal proceedings and the nature of the charges are sure to attract considerable public and media attention.
The Karnataka High Court's decision on July 19 will be crucial. If the court grants anticipatory bail, the MLA will be protected from arrest in this case as long as he complies with the bail conditions. A rejection, however, could leave him open to arrest and custodial questioning by the Hebbagodi police.
This case adds to the list of legal challenges faced by politicians in the state and highlights the ongoing scrutiny of elected representatives involved in criminal proceedings. The outcome of the hearing will be closely watched by political circles and the public alike.
