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13 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Karnataka MLA Arrested in Murder Case After Bail Rejection

Karnataka BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj arrested after Supreme Court rejects bail.

Karnataka MLA Arrested in Murder Case After Bail Rejection

Photo by satyaprakash kumawat

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrested Karnataka BJP MLA Byrathi Basavaraj from Kempegowda international airport after the Supreme Court rejected his bail plea. He is allegedly involved in the ‘Biklu’ Shiva murder case. The CID had previously questioned him twice. After the High Court rejected his bail plea, a search was initiated, and he was arrested upon arrival at the airport.

Key Facts

1.

Byrathi Basavaraj is a Karnataka BJP MLA.

2.

He was arrested in connection with the ‘Biklu’ Shiva murder case.

3.

The arrest occurred at Kempegowda international airport.

4.

The Supreme Court rejected his bail plea before the arrest.

5.

The CID had previously questioned him twice.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II - Polity and Governance: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

2.

GS Paper II - Polity and Governance: Criminal Justice System

3.

Potential for statement-based MCQs on powers of state legislatures and role of investigating agencies

Visual Insights

Location of Arrest: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Shows the location of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, where the MLA was arrested.

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📍Karnataka
More Information

Background

The arrest of the Karnataka MLA highlights the intersection of politics and criminal justice. Understanding the powers and responsibilities of an MLA is crucial. The Indian Constitution outlines the structure and functions of state legislatures. This includes the powers to make laws on subjects listed in the State List and Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule. The role of the police in investigating crimes is governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The CrPC provides the procedures for investigation, arrest, and prosecution of offenders. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is a specialized wing of the police responsible for investigating complex crimes. Their powers are derived from the CrPC and state police acts. Bail is a crucial aspect of the criminal justice system. It allows an accused person to be released from custody pending trial, subject to certain conditions. The grant or rejection of bail depends on various factors, including the nature of the offense, the evidence against the accused, and the risk of the accused absconding or tampering with evidence. The Supreme Court plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair trial.

Latest Developments

Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of criminal cases involving politicians. This has led to calls for reforms in the criminal justice system to ensure speedy trials and prevent undue delays. The Supreme Court has been actively monitoring such cases and issuing directions to expedite the proceedings. The use of technology in crime investigation is also gaining prominence. Forensic science and digital evidence play a crucial role in solving complex cases. The government is investing in modernizing the police force and equipping them with the latest tools and techniques. There is ongoing debate about the independence of investigating agencies. Concerns have been raised about political interference in investigations. Ensuring the autonomy and impartiality of agencies like the CID is essential for maintaining public trust in the criminal justice system.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in India: 1. CID is a specialized wing of the state police responsible for investigating complex crimes. 2. The powers of CID are derived from the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and state police acts. 3. CID can suo moto take up any case for investigation without the consent of the state government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is indeed a specialized wing of the state police tasked with investigating complex crimes. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The powers of the CID are derived from the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and relevant state police acts. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: CID generally requires the consent or direction of the state government or the courts to take up a case for investigation. They cannot suo moto (on their own) initiate investigations in all cases.

2. Which of the following subjects falls under the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

  • A.Banking
  • B.Defence
  • C.Police
  • D.Economic and Social Planning
Show Answer

Answer: C

The correct answer is C) Police. The State List of the Seventh Schedule includes subjects over which the state legislature has exclusive power to make laws. 'Police' is explicitly mentioned in the State List. Banking and Defence are Union List subjects, while Economic and Social Planning is in the Concurrent List.

3. Assertion (A): The Supreme Court can reject a bail plea. Reason (R): The Supreme Court is the highest court of appeal and has the power to interpret the Constitution and laws. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • C.A is true but R is false
  • D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer

Answer: B

Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A. The Supreme Court's power to reject a bail plea stems from its judicial powers and the specific circumstances of the case, not solely from its power to interpret the Constitution. While the Supreme Court does interpret the Constitution, the rejection of bail is a separate judicial function.

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