The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Karnataka has filed a chargesheet implicating former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and three aides in a disturbing case involving allegations of sexual assault and attempts to suppress evidence by financial means.
Allegations Under POCSO and IPC Sections
According to the chargesheet filed at the Fast Track Court 1 for POCSO Act cases, Yediyurappa faces charges under Section 8 of the POCSO Act for sexual assault, along with IPC Sections 354A (sexual harassment), 204 (destruction of evidence), and 214 (offering gifts to influence testimony).
Financial Transactions to Silence
The CID alleges that Yediyurappa and his associates paid substantial sums of money to the victim and her mother to dissuade them from reporting the incident or providing evidence against him.
Sequence of Events According to Chargesheet
According to the chargesheet, on February 2 this year, around 11:15 am, the 17-year-old alleged victim and her 54-year-old mother visited Yediyurappa at his residence in Dollar’s Colony seeking help with a previous sexual assault case involving the daughter. During their meeting, Yediyurappa allegedly held the victim’s wrist, then took her into a locked room where he questioned her about the assault and attempted to sexually assault her. After the victim resisted, Yediyurappa reportedly gave her cash and told her mother he couldn’t assist them. Later, following the mother’s Facebook video upload about the incident, Yediyurappa’s associates allegedly ensured the video’s deletion and paid the victim Rs two lakh in cash on his instructions.
Legal Proceedings and Response
Arrest Warrant and Court Intervention: A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against Yediyurappa on June 13, subsequently stayed by the Karnataka High Court pending further investigation. The court directed Yediyurappa to cooperate with CID inquiries.
CID Interrogation: Yediyurappa underwent questioning by the CID for over three hours on June 17 regarding the allegations laid out in the chargesheet.
Legal Challenges and Denial: Yediyurappa vehemently denies the charges and has filed petitions challenging the legal proceedings initiated against him. These petitions are currently under consideration by the High Court.
Tragic Developments and Family’s Petition
Mother’s Passing and Family’s Appeal: The victim’s mother, who originally accused Yediyurappa, tragically passed away due to lung cancer last month. In response, the victim’s brother filed a petition urging the arrest of Yediyurappa and a thorough investigation into the case to ensure justice.
Continuing Legal Battle
The case has garnered significant public and media attention, highlighting issues of accountability and justice within Karnataka’s political sphere. As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Yediyurappa’s political career and the state’s judicial landscape.
(With inputs from agencies)
