A Bengaluru court has issued a non-bailable warrant against former Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa after he failed to appear for questioning in a case under the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Yediyurappa has sought relief from the Karnataka High Court, with the matter scheduled to be heard tomorrow.
The Karnataka police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had previously issued a notice requesting Yediyurappa to appear for questioning on Wednesday. The 81-year-old politician responded that he had prior political commitments in Delhi and could appear before investigators on Monday.
Yediyurappa faces charges under the POCSO Act and IPC sections related to sexual harassment. The allegations were made by a woman who claimed that Yediyurappa sexually assaulted her 17-year-old daughter during a meeting at his residence in February.
A police case was registered on March 14, and the investigation was subsequently handed over to the CID. The 54-year-old complainant passed away from lung cancer last month.
Denying the allegations, Yediyurappa has vowed to fight the charges legally. In his latest communication with the CID, he reiterated his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
Earlier today, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that Yediyurappa might be arrested if deemed necessary by the CID. “If necessary, they (CID) will arrest. I can’t say (if) it is necessary, CID has to say it. If they feel it is necessary, they will do it,” the minister said.
In April, the CID had collected a voice sample from Yediyurappa as part of the investigation. The BJP veteran has approached the court to contest the FIR.
The case continues to unfold as the Karnataka High Court prepares to hear Yediyurappa’s plea for relief.
