BS Yediyurappa Summoned Over Alleged Sexual Harassment of Minor
Bengaluru: A Bengaluru court has summoned former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to appear before it on July 15, 2024, in connection with a case filed against him for the alleged sexual harassment of a minor. This development follows the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filing a chargesheet against the BJP veteran on June 27, 2024.
The CID’s chargesheet accuses Yediyurappa of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at his residence on February 2, 2024. The alleged incident took place when the girl and her mother visited Yediyurappa seeking assistance in a previous sexual assault case involving the girl. According to the chargesheet, the girl was initially molested by a relative when she was just seven years old.
The chargesheet claims that Yediyurappa took the girl to a room, locked the door, and molested her. When she resisted, he allegedly gave her money and opened the door. The girl’s mother recorded a confrontation with Yediyurappa on her iPhone, which is now considered crucial evidence in the case.
In addition to the charges against Yediyurappa, the chargesheet also names three of his aides, including an advocate and two close associates. They are accused of attempting to cover up the case by offering money to the victim and her mother to buy their silence. The aides face charges of destruction of evidence and shielding Yediyurappa.
Yediyurappa has been charged under Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, as well as Sections 354A (sexual harassment) and 214 (bribery to conceal offence) of the Indian Penal Code.
In a related development, the Karnataka High Court had earlier extended its interim order restraining the CID from arresting Yediyurappa. This extension allows the prosecution to file objections to Yediyurappa’s petition seeking to quash the FIR against him.
As the case progresses, Yediyurappa’s court appearance on July 15 will be a critical juncture in this high-profile legal battle, drawing significant public and media attention.