Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Feb 28: The First Fast Track Court in Bengaluru has issued summons to former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP Central Parliamentary Committee member B.S. Yediyurappa in connection with a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case. He has been directed to appear before the court on March 15.
Summons have also been issued to the other accused in the case, Y.M. Aruna and Rudresh Marulasiddaiah, who have been asked to be present on the same date.
The court’s order follows the consideration of a charge sheet submitted by the police in the case. Yediyurappa had previously secured immunity from the Karnataka High Court regarding earlier summons.
The development comes a day after Yediyurappa’s 83rd birthday, during which he announced plans to embark on a statewide tour to strengthen the BJP and facilitate its return to power in Karnataka.
On February 7, the Karnataka High Court declined to quash the charges against him in the case. However, the Bench granted him anticipatory bail, providing immunity from arrest. The judgment was pronounced by a Bench led by Justice M Nagaprasanna, which referred the case back to the POCSO court while also refusing to nullify the charge sheet filed against him.
Following the High Court’s ruling, Yediyurappa now faces legal proceedings in the matter.
The case originates from an FIR lodged at the Sadashivanagar police station in Bengaluru by the mother of a minor girl, alleging sexual harassment by Yediyurappa. The former Chief Minister has vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that they are politically motivated and that he is prepared to face the legal process.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the case, submitted a charge sheet on June 27, 2024, to a special fast-track court. According to the charge sheet, Yediyurappa and three other accused have been charged under the POCSO Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 354(A) (sexual harassment), 204 (destruction of documents or electronic records), and 214 (offering bribes to conceal an offence).
The charge sheet alleges that on February 2, 2024, the complainant had visited Yediyurappa’s residence seeking assistance regarding a sexual assault on her 17-year-old daughter. It claims that Yediyurappa took the girl into a room, locked it, and sexually harassed her. The girl resisted and subsequently left the room. Following this, Yediyurappa allegedly refused to provide any assistance.
Furthermore, the charge sheet states that after the victim uploaded photos and videos related to the incident on social media, Yediyurappa summoned them to his residence through intermediaries and handed over Rs 2 lac in cash. He allegedly ensured the deletion of the media files from both social media platforms and the victim’s phone gallery.
The victim’s mother passed away on May 26, 2024, in Bengaluru due to health complications.
Refuting the allegations, Yediyurappa stated, “A mother and daughter were found near my residence, appearing distressed. Out of compassion, I called them to inquire about their situation. I even contacted the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to assist them. However, they began making accusations against me. Despite this, I provided them with financial assistance. I will face these charges in court.”