Bengaluru, June 14: In a significant legal and political development, a Bengaluru court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa in connection with a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The case pertains to allegations of sexual abuse made by a 54-year-old woman on behalf of her 17-year-old daughter.
Allegations and Case Details
The case was registered by Sadashivnagar police on March 14, following the woman’s complaint that Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her daughter during a visit to his residence in northern Bengaluru’s Dollars Colony. The complainant and her daughter had sought Yediyurappa’s assistance in transferring the investigation of a previous sexual abuse case involving the girl to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The woman alleged that Yediyurappa molested her daughter and offered them cash, which was later recovered by the CID along with other evidence.
Legal Proceedings
The Bengaluru court issued the arrest warrant after the Central Investigation Department (CID) cited “changed circumstances” and Yediyurappa’s non-compliance with investigation notices. Despite offenses typically resulting in less than seven years of imprisonment, the court decided to issue the warrant due to concerns about evidence tampering and delays.
The CID has added charges under IPC sections 204 (destruction of evidence) and 214 (offering gifts to screen the offender) to the FIR. The high-profile nature of the case and the involvement of a prominent political figure have drawn significant public and media attention.
Yediyurappa’s Response and Legal Moves
Yediyurappa, who has denied the accusations, moved to New Delhi and has since remained at an undisclosed location, making him reportedly ‘untraceable’ as reported by Deccan Herald. His legal team has filed two petitions with the Karnataka High Court: one seeking anticipatory bail and the other requesting the quashing of the case. Both petitions are scheduled for a hearing on Friday.
Implications and Next Steps
The arrest warrant has intensified the legal battle and placed significant pressure on Yediyurappa and the BJP. The prosecution, represented by Special Prosecutor Ashok Nayak, emphasized the urgency of the situation, arguing that delays could lead to further evidence being compromised.
The outcome of the upcoming High Court hearing will be pivotal, determining whether Yediyurappa will be granted bail or if the case will proceed with him in custody. This case continues to unfold with wide-reaching implications for the political landscape and the broader fight against sexual violence in India.
