CID seeks withdrawal of interim protection from arrest granted to MLA Byrathi Basavaraj
Bengaluru: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has urged the Karnataka High Court to revoke the interim protection from arrest granted to KR Puram MLA Byrathi Basavaraj (B.A. Basavaraj) in connection with the murder of rowdy-sheeter Shivaprakash alias Biklu Shiva.
The CID argued that there is a strong need to arrest and interrogate the legislator, who has been named as Accused No. 5 in the case registered at Bharathi Nagar Police Station.
During the hearing of the CID’s interim petition on Thursday, Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav presided over the proceedings. The CID requested the court to lift the interim stay that prevents Basavaraj’s arrest, which had been granted earlier while considering his plea to quash the FIR filed against him.
Additional State Public Prosecutor B.N. Jagadish, representing the CID, told the court that Basavaraj had provided false information during the investigation and that significant evidence has been collected linking him to the case. “We have gathered crucial material. His custodial interrogation is necessary. If the court later finds the evidence unsatisfactory, it may quash the case, but at this stage, his arrest is vital for investigation,” the prosecutor argued.
Defending Basavaraj, his counsel said the CID has invoked the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA) in the case — a law applicable only to organised criminal activities. Under KCOCA, anticipatory bail is not permitted, the lawyer said. “If the interim protection is withdrawn, the MLA will lose the opportunity to seek anticipatory bail. The investigation is being carried out with political motives, and we are considering seeking a probe by an independent agency,” he submitted, urging the court to retain the interim order.
The bench orally observed that investigating agencies must be given the freedom to conduct independent probes. However, the court adjourned the matter to October 23 and extended the interim protection from arrest until then.
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Dharwad Corporation zonal offices raided after complaints of corruption in issuing land records
Hubballi: Karnataka Lokayukta officials on Friday conducted raids at multiple zonal offices of the Hubballi-Dharwad City Corporation following complaints alleging bribery and delay in issuing land-related documents, including e-Swathu records.
The raids were carried out in the morning under the leadership of Siddalingappa S.T.. Separate teams inspected 12 zonal offices of the Corporation and examined records linked to land ownership and document processing.
According to sources, the Lokayukta received complaints from members of the public alleging that Corporation officials were demanding bribes for issuing e-Swathu and other land documents.
Residents reportedly alleged that applications were being deliberately delayed if bribes were not paid.
Based on these complaints, officials carried out inspections of files and records connected to land ownership and issuance of documents.
Further investigation is underway.
