Bengaluru, Jul 19 (PTI): BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, who is accused in the murder of a rowdy-sheeter-turned-realtor was on Saturday questioned for over three hours in connection with the case, police said.

Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shivu (40) was hacked to death at Bharathi Nagar in the city on Tuesday night, they said.

Five people have already been arrested in the case --- Jagadish, Kiran, Vimal, Anil and Fredrick, police said.

"The BJP MLA joined the investigation in connection with the murder case. He was questioned for over three hours. A detailed inquiry is underway based on which further action will be taken," a senior police officer said.

Speaking to reporters later, Basavaraj said, "I was called for an inquiry. I have cooperated. Police have told me that I will be called again. I will come again when I'm called and cooperate with the inquiry."

About the inquiry, he said, "I cannot say those things....I have told the investigating officer that I have no role. They have told me that I have to come once again on July 23 (Wednesday). I will come...."

Responding to a question, he said, "I don't know any Jagdish...."

Basavaraj joined the investigation following a direction issued by the Karnataka High Court on Friday asking the MLA to appear for questioning on July 19. He was also served a notice by the police in this regard.

The MLA, who has been named as the fifth accused in the First Information Report (FIR), has approached the court to quash the FIR, alleging that it was filed without merit.

Vijayalakshmi, the mother of the deceased, claimed she did not name Basavaraj in her initial complaint. She alleged that the police added his name independently, raising questions about the FIR's validity.

The prosecution, represented by Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) B A Belliyappa, had argued that Basavaraj may have influenced the complainant within 24 hours of the murder, potentially to leverage the court's orders for protection.

The HC has provided temporary relief to Basavaraj, restraining the police from arresting him until July 21.

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Patna (PTI): Union minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday said he felt "sorry to support" the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, charging it with failure to control the law and order situation in the state.

Paswan, who heads the LJP (Ram Vilas) -- a constituent of the BJP-led NDA, was talking to reporters in Patna before leaving for Gayaji, where he is scheduled to address a rally.

"I have heard claims that the recent spurt in violent crimes is linked to the upcoming assembly polls, and there are attempts to defame this government. Still, it is the responsibility of the administration to keep the law and order situation under control. I feel sorry to support a government which is failing on this count," said the Hajipur MP.

"The situation in the state has become scary. The administrative failure is being blamed on both rank incompetence and connivance with criminals," he added.

Paswan claimed that almost every day, incidents of murder, kidnapping, dacoity and rape are being reported from the state

"Authorities concerned have miserably failed to check the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Law and order have collapsed. The situation is almost out of control. It needs to be checked immediately," he said.

Paswan's comments are expected to give ammunition to the RJD-led opposition, which is attacking the Nitish Kumar government over the spate of crimes that have rocked the state over the last few months.

Elections would be due in the state later this year.