Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa has been accused of allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl and booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO), news agency ANI reported.
A complaint was filed by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, accusing the former Chief Minister of sexual assault during a meeting related to official matters on February 2. Subsequently, the Sadashivanagar Police initiated a case against Yediyurappa under section 8 of POCSO (sexual assault) and section 354 A (sexual harassment).
Yediyurappa reacts to accusation
Meanwhile, reacting to the accusation, Yediyurappa said that the charges levelled against him are baseless and he also questioned the timing of the FIR. "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 personally 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. 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 added.
What did Karnataka Home minister say?
Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said this is a sensitive matter but there is no political angle to this. "Last night around 10 pm, a lady registered a complaint against BS Yediyurappa. Police have registered the case. Until we know the truth, we can't reveal anything. This is a sensitive thing as it involves a former CM. I don't think there is any political angle to this. If the distressed woman needs protection, then it will be given," Parameshwara told media.
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