Karnataka Court Summons Ex-CM Yediyurappa in POCSO Matter
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Synopsis
The First Fast Track court in Bengaluru has summoned former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa regarding a POCSO case, along with other accused, directing their appearance on March 15. The case involves serious allegations, and Yediyurappa has consistently denied the charges.
Key Takeaways
- Yediyurappa summoned to court on March 15.
- Pursuant to POCSO Act allegations.
- High Court previously denied quashing charges.
- Immunity from arrest granted.
- Claims of political motivation behind allegations.
Bengaluru, Feb 28 (NationPress) The First Fast Track court in Bengaluru on Friday summoned former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Committee member B.S. Yediyurappa regarding a case connected to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), requiring his appearance on March 15.
The court also issued summons to the other accused, Y.M. Aruna and Rudresh Marulasiddaiah, asking them to appear on the same day.
This order was passed after the court reviewed the charge sheet presented by the police. Previously, Yediyurappa had received immunity from the High Court concerning the summons.
Yediyurappa recently celebrated his 83rd birthday and announced plans for a statewide tour aimed at strengthening the BJP and regaining power in the state.
On February 7, the Karnataka High Court denied a request to quash the charges against him in this case.
However, the Bench granted Yediyurappa anticipatory bail, providing him immunity from arrest.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna led the Bench that issued the judgment and returned the case to the POCSO court, but it declined to quash the charge sheet against Yediyurappa.
With the High Court ruling against him, Yediyurappa is now facing legal challenges in this matter.
The case originated from an FIR lodged at the Sadashivanagar police station in Bengaluru by the mother of a minor girl, who alleged sexual harassment by Yediyurappa.
The former Chief Minister has denied all allegations, claiming they are politically motivated and expressing his readiness to confront the legal proceedings.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is handling the case, filed a charge sheet on June 27, 2024, with a special fast-track court.
The charge sheet alleges that Yediyurappa, along with three others, was charged under the POCSO Act and sections of the IPC, including 354(A) (sexual harassment), 204 (destruction of documents or electronic records), and 214 (offering bribes to conceal an offence).
The charge sheet claims that on February 2, 2024, the complainant approached Yediyurappa’s residence seeking assistance regarding a sexual assault on her 17-year-old daughter. It alleges that Yediyurappa took the girl into a room, locked it, and sexually harassed her. The victim resisted and exited the room. Following this, Yediyurappa allegedly refused to help them.
Furthermore, the charge sheet asserts that when the victim shared photos and videos of the incident on social media, Yediyurappa summoned them to his residence through intermediaries, providing them with Rs 2 lakh in cash. It accuses him of then having the media files removed from social media and the phone gallery.
Tragically, the victim's mother passed away on May 26, 2024, due to health issues in Bengaluru.
Yediyurappa has strongly denied the accusations, stating, “A mother and daughter appeared distressed near my residence. Out of compassion, I called them to understand their situation. I even contacted the Bengaluru Police Commissioner for assistance. However, they began to make accusations against me. Nonetheless, I provided them with financial aid. I will confront these charges in court.”
