M. P. Jayaraj (1944/1946–1989) was a prominent figure in the Bangalore underworld during the 1970s and 1980s, known as the first-ever don of the region. Born around 1944 or 1946 in Thigallarapete, Bangalore, Jayaraj's early years were marked by his interest in wrestling, which he pursued diligently at Annayappa Garadi.

His ascent into the underworld scene was facilitated by M. D. Nataraj, the son-in-law of Karnataka's Chief Minister Devaraj Urs at the time. Legend has it that Devaraj Urs, impressed by Nataraj's choice, appointed Jayaraj as the president of the "Indira Brigade," the youth wing of the Congress party. Jayaraj, while known for his notoriety as a don, also gained a reputation for aiding the impoverished and downtrodden.

During the 1970s, Karnataka's political landscape underwent significant changes under Devaraj Urs, with a focus on uplifting the backward classes and Dalits. To suppress opposition to these policies, both legal and illegal means were employed, including leveraging the underworld to instill fear in dissenters.

Jayaraj's reign over the Bangalore underworld continued through the 1970s, backed by M. D. Nataraj's patronage. However, his influence began to wane after he was sentenced to 10 years in jail for assaulting Thigallarapete Gopi in a court premises. Meanwhile, the dynamics shifted in Bangalore's underworld during his incarceration, with new dons like Kotwal Ramachandra and Oil Kumar emerging.

Upon his release, Jayaraj found himself in a power struggle to reclaim control of Bangalore's underworld. He aligned himself with figures like Agni Shridhar, Varadharaja Nayak, and Bacchan to eliminate rivals like Kotwal Ramachandra, as depicted in the Kannada movie "Aa Dinagalu."

Jayaraj was also known for his involvement in journalism, running a newspaper called "Ghareebi Hatao," where he targeted Janata Dal politicians and criticized the police openly, particularly regarding the Rasheed Murder Case.

Despite surviving numerous assassination attempts, Jayaraj met his demise near Siddapura when he was shot dead by Muthappa Rai.