In a significant development, a Bengaluru court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against former Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa in connection with a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) case.
Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge (Fast Track Special Court-I) NM Ramesh issued the warrant today, paving the way for the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to arrest Yediyurappa.
Notably, a plea filed by Yediyurappa seeking to quash the case against him is pending before the Karnataka High Court, as is a petition filed by the 17-year-old victim’s brother to arrest Yediyurappa.
These petitions are slated to be heard by the High Court tomorrow.
Fearing arrest, Yediyurappa has also moved an anticipatory bail petition before the High Court.
Meanwhile, the CID approached the trial court for a warrant to arrest the former Chief Minister and was able to secure the same from the special court.
The case involves allegations that Yediyurappa molested a 17-year-old girl after she accompanied her mother on a visit to the senior BJP leader’s residence to seek some help.
The girl’s mother lodged a complaint at the Sadashivanagar police station inspector on March 14 regarding the incident, accusing Yediyurappa of having taken the 17-year-old girl into a room by hand before sexually harassing her behind locked doors.
The complainant added that when confronted about this conduct, Yediyurappa allegedly tried to hush up the issue by offering money.
The police registered a first information report (FIR) under Section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 354(A) of the IPC on charges of sexual harassment of a minor.
The state government has appointed senior lawyer Ashok N. Naik as the special public prosecutor to argue the case against Yediyurappa.
Here are the key details of the court case:
- Allegations: Yediyurappa has been booked under the POCSO Act and Section 354 A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges stem from a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl who alleged that Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her daughter during a meeting at his residence in Karnataka earlier this year.
- Deceased Complainant: Tragically, the 54-year-old woman who leveled the charge against Yediyurappa passed away last month due to lung cancer.
- Legal Stand: Yediyurappa, who is 81 years old, has denied the allegations and expressed his intention to fight the case legally.
- CID Investigation: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is handling the case and had earlier summoned Yediyurappa for questioning. The CID may proceed with his arrest if deemed necessary.
- Upcoming Proceedings: The charge sheet is expected to be filed by June 15, and the legal process will follow its due course.
This development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, given Yediyurappa’s prominence as a senior BJP leader. His fate now rests on the legal proceedings ahead.
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Nikhil Malhotra 
