Today, On 7th February, The Karnataka High Court granted anticipatory bail to former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in a POCSO case. The case was filed based on allegations by a woman who accused Yediyurappa of molesting her 17-year-old daughter. The court’s decision provides relief to the senior BJP leader, preventing his immediate arrest. The case continues to be under legal scrutiny.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court granted anticipatory bail on Friday to BJP leader and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa in a case filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who previously provided interim protection against arrest to Yediyurappa, issued the order. The case arose from allegations made by a woman claiming that Yediyurappa molested her 17-year-old daughter during a visit to his residence for assistance.
Also Read: Karnataka Govt. To High Court: “BS Yediyurappa Should Face Trial in POCSO Act Case”
The girl’s mother, who has since passed away, filed a police complaint on March 14, 2024, accusing Yediyurappa of sexually harassing her daughter and attempting to cover it up with a monetary offer.
As a result of this complaint, police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 354(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for sexual harassment of a minor.
Last month, the High Court reserved its decision on Yediyurappa’s petition to quash the case. During a hearing, Yediyurappa denied the allegations of sexual assault, stating that the victim and her mother had approached him regarding a separate incident of sexual assault involving another individual.
His counsel explained,
“He was checking on the details of a previous case in which the victim had been sexually assaulted by another person and for which she and her mother had previously approached him for help.”
Also Read: BS Yediyurappa Seeks Quashing of POCSO Case, Denies Allegations of Sexual Harassment
In contrast, the State argued that there is sufficient evidence against Yediyurappa, emphasizing that the crime of sexually assaulting a minor is “heinous,” and he should face trial.
B.S. Yediyurappa, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is a seasoned politician from Karnataka. He has served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on multiple occasions and has been a key figure in shaping the BJP’s presence in the state. Known for his leadership and influence, especially among the Lingayat community, Yediyurappa has played a significant role in the state’s political landscape.
The case highlights serious allegations against a high-profile political leader. Yediyurappa, a senior BJP figure, has denied all charges and maintained his innocence.
Case Title: BS Yediyurappa v/s The Criminal Investigating Department CID