In a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has ruled that former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, accused of sexual harassment of a minor, cannot be arrested until the next hearing in the case scheduled for June 17. This decision comes in light of a non-bailable warrant issued against Mr. Yediyurappa under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
The case stems from a complaint filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, alleging that Mr. Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her daughter during a meeting on February 2 at his residence in Dollars Colony. The charges against him include violations of the POCSO Act and Section 354 A (Sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Mr. Yediyurappa’s legal team, led by lawyer Sandeep Patil, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as suspicious and politically motivated. They have highlighted the complainant’s history of filing numerous complaints, citing over 50 instances in the past.
The court’s decision reflects considerations of Mr. Yediyurappa’s age and health, acknowledging his status as a former Chief Minister and his cooperation with the investigation. It emphasizes the need for a fair and thorough examination of the case before any decision on arrest or detention is made.
The case has sparked sharp reactions from political quarters, with both the Congress and the BJP weighing in. BJP Karnataka has accused the Congress of orchestrating conspiracies against Mr. Yediyurappa, linking the case to post-election dynamics and alleging a lack of fairness in the investigation.
On the other hand, Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara has emphasized that the case should be approached without any political biases, underscoring the gravity of the allegations and the need for a transparent and unbiased investigation.
Sources By Agencies
