Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday denied allegations of sexual assault leveled against him and alleged that there may be a political motive behind the accusations.
Yediyurappa claimed that he had initially assisted the woman in distress by contacting the police commissioner for help, but later she turned against him.
He mentioned that he had informed the police commissioner about the matter.
“A few days ago a woman came to my house. She was crying saying that there was some problem. I asked her what was the matter and I called the police commissioner about the matter and told him to help her.
“Later, the woman started talking against me. I have brought this matter to the attention of the police commissioner,” he told reporters.
The former CM expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the situation and refrained from making definitive claims regarding any political motivations behind the accusations.
“Yesterday police filed a complaint against me. Let’s see what happens next, I can’t say that there is a political motive behind this,” he said.
Yediyurappa has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) on charges of sexual assault.
The former Karnataka Chief Minister has been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl on February 2. The incident reportedly occurred when the girl and her mother sought Yediyurappa’s help regarding another sexual assault case.
A case has been registered against Yediyurappa under the POCSO Act and Section 354 (A) of the Indian Penal Code based on the complaint filed by the victim’s mother.
Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara has assured that investigations are actively underway. He emphasized the sensitivity of the issue and pledged the police’s commitment to ensuring the woman’s protection.
As of now, there has been no response from Yediyurappa or his family regarding the allegations.
Parameshwara stated that there doesn’t seem to be any political angle to the case, highlighting that they do not know the woman involved. He urged for patience until the truth is uncovered.
“Last night around 10 pm, a lady registered a complaint against BS Yediyurappa. Police have registered the case. The investigation is on. Until we know the truth, we can’t reveal anything. This is a sensitive thing as it involves a former CM,” he told reporters.
Replying to a question, Dr Parameshwara said, “I don’t think there is any political angle to this. We all do not know the lady. We do not know anything about it. Let us see and wait what the outcome of the case.”
Yediyurappa has served as Karnataka Chief Minister on three occasions. His resignation in 2021 marked the end of his tenure amidst speculation.
Following Yediyurappa’s resignation, Basavaraj Bommai assumed office as the 23rd Chief Minister of Karnataka, serving from July 2021 to May 2023. Bommai has been designated as the BJP’s nominee for the Haveri constituency in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
