Arrest Warrant Issued Against Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa in POCSO Case

In a significant development, a trial court in Karnataka has issued an arrest warrant against former Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader BS Yediyurappa in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act).

The warrant was issued by Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge (Fast Track Special Court-I) NM Ramesh, authorizing the Crime Investigation Department (CID) to proceed with Yediyurappa's arrest. This follows allegations that Yediyurappa molested a 17-year-old girl during a visit to his residence.

According to the complainant, the girl's mother, the incident occurred when she and her daughter visited Yediyurappa to seek assistance. She alleged that Yediyurappa took the girl into a room and sexually harassed her behind closed doors. The mother also claimed that Yediyurappa attempted to bribe them to keep the matter quiet.

The complaint was lodged at the Sadashivanagar police station on March 14, leading to the registration of a first information report (FIR) under Section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 354(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to sexual harassment of a minor.

Yediyurappa, fearing arrest, has filed an anticipatory bail petition before the Karnataka High Court. Additionally, a plea seeking to quash the case against him is also pending in the High Court. The petitions, including one filed by the victim's brother demanding Yediyurappa's arrest, are scheduled to be heard tomorrow.

In the meantime, the CID approached the trial court to secure the arrest warrant, which was granted by the special court today. The case has garnered significant attention, given Yediyurappa's prominence in Karnataka politics. As the High Court prepares to hear the related petitions, the issuance of the arrest warrant marks a critical juncture in the legal proceedings against the former Chief Minister.

Yediyurappa's legal team is expected to argue for his anticipatory bail, while the High Court's decision will likely have a major impact on the course of the investigation and subsequent legal actions.

The developments, in this case, are being closely watched, as they involve serious allegations against a senior political figure and the application of stringent legal provisions aimed at protecting minors from sexual offenses. The High Court's upcoming decisions will be pivotal in determining the next steps in this high-profile case.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News writer