BS Yediyurappa summoned for alleged sexual harassment of a minor – News Karnataka

Bangalore National Park: A Bengaluru court has summoned former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to appear on July 15, 2024 in connection with a case against him for alleged sexual harassment of a minor. This development follows the filing of a chargesheet by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against the BJP veteran on June 27, 2024.

The CID chargesheet accuses Yediyurappa of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in his house on February 2, 2024. The alleged incident occurred when the girl and her mother visited Yediyurappa seeking help in a previous sexual assault case in which the girl was involved. According to the chargesheet, the girl was first molested by a relative when she was just seven years old.

The chargesheet says Yediyurappa took the girl into a room, locked the door and molested her. When she resisted, he allegedly gave her money and opened the door. The girl’s mother recorded the altercation with Yediyurappa on her iPhone, which is now considered crucial evidence in the case.

In addition to the charges against Yediyurappa, the indictment also names three of his aides, including a lawyer and two close associates. They are accused of trying to cover up the case by offering the victim and her mother money to buy their silence. The aides are accused of destroying evidence and covering for Yediyurappa.

Yediyurappa has been charged under Section 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and Sections 354A (sexual harassment) and 214 (bribery to conceal an offence) of the Indian Penal Code.

In a related development, the Karnataka High Court had earlier extended its interim order restraining the CID from arresting Yediyurappa. This extension will enable the prosecution to file an objection against Yediyurappa’s application to quash the FIR against him.

As the case progresses, Yediyurappa’s court date on July 15 will be a crucial moment in this high-profile legal battle and will attract significant public and media attention.