Special Court Issues Summons to BS Yediyurappa in Child Sexual Assault Case

A special fast-track court in Bengaluru summoned former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Tuesday in a high-profile child sexual abuse case, directing him to appear on December 2 alongside three co-accused. The summons follows a complaint filed by the survivor's mother, alleging that the 82-year-old senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader sexually assaulted her 17-year-old daughter during a meeting at his residence on February 2, 2024. The case, registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, has drawn intense scrutiny given Yediyurappa's stature as a long-time BJP stalwart and three-time chief minister of the state.

According to the police chargesheet, the complainant had approached Yediyurappa seeking his intervention in a prior sexual assault case involving her daughter. Instead, the FIR details that Yediyurappa allegedly led the minor into a private room, locked the door, and harassed her sexually. The survivor resisted and fled the room, after which Yediyurappa reportedly refused assistance in the original matter. The other summoned individuals—Arun Y.M., Rudresh Marulasiddiah, and G. Mariswamy—are believed to be aides or associates present during the incident. The POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, mandates stringent penalties for offences against minors under 18, including imprisonment up to life for aggravated sexual assault.

The court's action revives proceedings after a brief hiatus. Last week, the Karnataka High Court dismissed Yediyurappa's petition to quash the FIR, upholding the trial court's initial summons issued in February 2024. However, the high court bench observed that his personal appearance should not be mandated unless deemed essential, potentially allowing virtual or proxy representation. Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Naik promptly filed an application to reactivate the case post-judgement, leading to Tuesday's directive. Yediyurappa, who has denied all allegations and claimed political vendetta, faces mounting legal challenges amid his continued influence within the BJP.

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The development has reignited debates on accountability for political figures in sensitive cases, especially those involving minors. Yediyurappa's legal team has indicated plans to challenge the summons, while women's rights activists and opposition parties in Karnataka have urged a thorough, unbiased investigation. As the December hearing approaches, the case underscores the POCSO framework's role in addressing power imbalances, with the trial poised to test the judiciary's handling of high-stakes allegations against veteran leaders.

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