Bengaluru: The High Court on Tuesday witnessed a heated legal battle during the hearing of the anticipatory bail plea filed by K.R. Puram MLA Byrathi Basavaraj, who is the fifth accused in the Biklu Shivu murder case. During the proceedings, senior advocate Sandesh Chouta launched a scathing attack on the prosecution.

Arguments of the Government Prosecutor:

Representing the CID, Special Public Prosecutor B.N. Jagadeesh leveled serious allegations against Byrathi Basavaraj:

Concealment of Facts: He argued that the petitioner obtained interim bail by providing false information, thereby derailing the judicial process.

Obstruction of Investigation: It was alleged that pressure was exerted on the mother of the deceased Biklu Shivu to issue statements to the media. The prosecutor claimed that granting bail now would lead to the destruction of evidence.

Police Collusion: He further contended that the police had previously cooperated with and shielded Basavaraj.

Sandesh Chouta’s Sharp Challenge:

Defending Byrathi Basavaraj, senior advocate Sandesh Chouta vehemently rejected the prosecution's claims:

Lack of Evidence: He pointed out that there are no CDR (Call Detail Record) logs or eyewitness accounts to prove Basavaraj's involvement in the murder conspiracy.

Challenge to Move Supreme Court: "If you feel the interim bail granted by the High Court is not justified, you are free to challenge it in the Supreme Court. Making baseless allegations against the petitioner is uncalled for," Chouta challenged.

Personal Jibe: In a witty yet sharp remark, Chouta added, "A public prosecutor should behave like a Prosecutor, not a Persecutor."

Commotion in Court:

Prosecutor Jagadeesh took strong exception to the use of the word 'Persecutor', calling it a personal attack and expressing his displeasure. After hearing both sides, the single-judge bench of Justice S. Sunil Dutt Yadav adjourned the hearing to Wednesday.

The CID is investigating the Biklu Shivu murder case amid allegations of political conspiracy. Fearing arrest, MLA Byrathi Basavaraj has approached the court seeking anticipatory bail.