A special court in Bengaluru has issued summons to former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and three others in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The development marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against the senior BJP leader.
Court Directs Appearance on June 17
The Special Court for POCSO Cases has directed Yediyurappa to appear before it on June 17, 2024. This comes after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) filed a charge sheet naming the veteran politician as an accused in the case. The court has accepted the charge sheet and initiated the next phase of legal proceedings.
Along with Yediyurappa, the court has also summoned three other individuals connected to the case. The specific roles and identities of these additional accused persons have been detailed in the charge sheet submitted by investigating authorities.
Background of the POCSO Case
The case originated from a complaint filed by the mother of a minor girl who alleged that her daughter had been sexually assaulted. The incident reportedly took place at Yediyurappa's residence in Bengaluru. The FIR was initially registered at Sadashivanagar police station before being transferred to the CID for further investigation.
Yediyurappa has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that he is innocent and the victim of political conspiracy. His legal team has indicated they will challenge the proceedings vigorously in court.
Political Repercussions and Legal Journey
The timing of the court summons carries significant political implications in Karnataka. Yediyurappa, one of the state's most prominent political figures, has been a central figure in BJP's Karnataka unit for decades. The legal developments come at a sensitive time for state politics.
Earlier, the Karnataka High Court had granted interim protection to Yediyurappa from arrest in connection with the same case. However, with the special court now issuing summons, the legal battle enters a new phase that could have far-reaching consequences for all parties involved.
The POCSO Act carries stringent provisions for sexual offenses against children, including the possibility of life imprisonment. The progression of this case against such a high-profile political figure is being closely watched by legal experts and political observers alike.
As the June 17 court date approaches, all eyes will be on the special court proceedings and how Yediyurappa and his legal team respond to the formal charges presented against them.
