Ex-Karnataka CM Yediyurappa questioned by CID in POCSO case
What's the story
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa was interrogated for nearly four hours by the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday. This questioning was related to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case registered against him. A Bengaluru court had previously issued a non-bailable warrant for his immediate arrest in connection with a sexual assault case involving a minor girl.
Case details
Charges against Yediyurappa
The mother of a 17-year-old girl filed a complaint alleging that her daughter was molested by Yediyurappa during a meeting on February 2, 2024, at his residence in Dollars Colony, Bengaluru. Despite the charges, Yediyurappa has denied any wrongdoing, stating that "People would teach a lesson to those indulging in conspiracies against him." The case was transferred to the CID for ongoing investigation following a petition by the victim's brother claiming no progress in the investigation.
Political reactions
BJP alleges Congress's conspiracy against BSY
Yediyurappa has been booked under the POCSO Act and Section 354 A (Sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Despite an arrest warrant issued against him, the Karnataka High Court has issued a stay on his arrest. Expressing faith in the judiciary, Yediyurappa stated, "Everyone knows everything and I have full faith in the judiciary. I will get justice." Separately, BJP leaders have alleged that this case is a "conspiracy" hatched by Congress.
Court proceedings
Yediyurappa's 2 petitions in high court
They claim that the Congress is attempting to arrest Yediyurappa based on a complaint from a mentally unstable woman. Recently, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara had said it would be "good" if Yediyurappa appears before the CID soon. Meanwhile, Yediyurappa has filed two separate petitions in the High Court, seeking anticipatory bail and quashing of the FIR. The government has appointed Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Ashok H Nayak to represent the CID in this case.