CID Files Charge Sheet Against Former Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa for Alleged Sexual Assault

News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/28th  June 2024

The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has filed a charge sheet against former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa in a special court handling POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases. This follows allegations of sexual molestation involving a minor girl.

An FIR was registered against Yediyurappa in March after the mother of a 17-year-old girl accused the senior BJP leader of sexually assaulting her daughter during a meeting on February 2. The charge sheet, submitted on June 27, formalizes these allegations and sets the stage for further legal proceedings.

Responding to the FIR, Yediyurappa recounted an incident where a woman came to his house distressed and seeking help. He claimed to have contacted the police commissioner on her behalf. Yediyurappa expressed confusion and concern over the woman’s subsequent accusations against him and the subsequent police complaint. He refrained from attributing any political motives to the charges, saying, “Yesterday police filed a complaint against me. Let’s see what happens next, I can’t say that there is a political motive behind this.”

Tragically, the 54-year-old woman who accused Yediyurappa passed away last month due to lung cancer. Despite her death, the legal process continues, with the CID intensively investigating the claims. On June 17, Yediyurappa was questioned for approximately three hours by the CID regarding the allegations.

Ahead of Yediyurappa’s appearance at the CID office, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra expressed confidence in the judicial process. He emphasized that Yediyurappa would fully cooperate with the investigation and present his side of the story to the Special Investigation Team (SIT). “Regarding the new case against Yediyurappa ji, we have trust in the court. He is going before the investigation agency today. Whatever he has to say, he will say it there. Nothing to worry about. He will say everything in front of the SIT,” Vijayendra stated.

The charges against Yediyurappa, a prominent figure in Karnataka politics, have sent shockwaves through the political landscape. As a former chief minister and senior BJP leader, these serious allegations have implications not only for his career but also for the party’s reputation. The BJP has maintained a stance of trust in the judicial system, indicating that the truth will emerge through due process.

Yediyurappa’s legal troubles come at a critical time for the BJP in Karnataka, a state where the party has significant political stakes. The outcome of this case could influence public perception and voter sentiment ahead of future elections.

The POCSO Act under which Yediyurappa is being charged is a stringent law designed to protect children from sexual offenses. The law mandates severe penalties for perpetrators, reflecting the gravity with which such crimes are viewed in India. The involvement of a high-profile politician in a POCSO case underscores the law’s broad reach and the imperative for accountability, regardless of status.As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by political analysts, party members, and the public. The charge sheet’s filing marks a significant step in the judicial process, ensuring that the allegations against Yediyurappa will be rigorously examined in court. The BJP leader’s future now hinges on the unfolding legal battle, which will determine not only his personal fate but also potentially impact Karnataka’s political dynamics.