The Karnataka High Court has stayed the arrest of former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who is facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The case involves allegations of sexual assault against a 17-year-old girl, with the complaint being filed by the girl’s mother. The incident allegedly occurred at Yediyurappa’s residence when the girl and her mother sought his help regarding a previous rape case involving the daughter.
Background of the Case
The allegations against Yediyurappa emerged in March 2024, when the mother of the minor girl filed an FIR at the Sadashivanagar police station. According to the complaint, Yediyurappa inappropriately touched and molested the girl during their visit to his home on February 2, 2024. The complainant later approached the Karnataka High Court, seeking Yediyurappa’s arrest due to the slow pace of the investigation (Deccan Herald, The News Minute).
Legal Proceedings
In response to the complaint, a non-bailable arrest warrant was issued by a special court in Bengaluru on June 13, 2024. However, Yediyurappa filed an application with the Karnataka High Court seeking the cancellation of the POCSO case against him, arguing that the allegations were baseless and part of a larger political conspiracy. The High Court’s decision to stay the arrest allows Yediyurappa to avoid immediate detention while the legal proceedings continue (SheThePeople, ABP Live).
Current Status
The High Court has now sought an explanation for the procedural delays and has called for a status report on the investigation. The case has drawn significant attention due to Yediyurappa’s prominent political stature and the serious nature of the allegations. Meanwhile, Yediyurappa has denied all allegations, stating that his intentions were misunderstood and that he had merely tried to help the complainants.