Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa, finds himself embroiled in controversy as police file a case against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The allegations stem from accusations of harassment towards a 17-year-old minor at his residence in Bengaluru. The development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the state.
According to reports, the complaint was lodged by the family of the victim, who visited Yediyurappa’s residence seeking justice in a separate rape case involving her daughter. Allegedly, Yediyurappa took the minor into a room, closed the door, and subjected her to sexual harassment. The complaint further alleges that when confronted, Yediyurappa claimed to be checking if the girl had been raped and later apologised, urging the family not to reveal the incident.
The Sadashivanagar police in Bengaluru have registered a case under Section 8 (commit sexual assault) of the POCSO Act and Section 354 (a) (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). While there has been no official reaction from Yediyurappa himself, his office has vehemently denied the charges, citing a history of complaints filed by the complainant in the past, totaling 53 different cases.
Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has assured that there is no political vendetta involved in the case, emphasising that the matter is being thoroughly investigated. He stated that the issue has been discussed with Chief Minister K. Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The Home Minister stressed the sensitivity of the matter, given Yediyurappa’s stature as a former Chief Minister, and pledged to provide security for the victim’s family if necessary.
However, critics have raised doubts about the motivations behind the allegations, suggesting that they may be a ploy to tarnish the prospects of the BJP in the state. With an anti-incumbency wave against the Congress government and Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, some believe that the accusations against Yediyurappa could be part of a larger strategy to divert attention and discredit the BJP.
The controversy surrounding Yediyurappa comes at a crucial juncture for Karnataka, with issues such as the drinking water crisis and unfulfilled poll promises exacerbating public frustration. As predictions favor a clean sweep for the BJP in the upcoming elections, the allegations against Yediyurappa have intensified political tensions and raised questions about the integrity of the accusations.
