The Crime Investigation Department (CID) probing molestation charges against former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has taken a significant step forward. On Thursday, the CID filed a charge sheet in the special court dealing with Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases. This development comes after the Sadashivanagar police registered a case of molestation in March this year against the BJP stalwart. Following the registration of the case, Karnataka Director General of Police Alok Mohan issued an order transferring the investigation to the CID.

The case originated from a complaint lodged by the mother of a 17-year-old girl. She alleged that Yediyurappa molested her daughter during a meeting on February 2nd this year at his residence in Dollars Colony, Bangalore. The allegations have stirred significant controversy, with Yediyurappa vehemently denying the charges. He stated, “People would teach a lesson to those indulging in conspiracies against me,” signaling his intent to fight the accusations.

Tragically, the 54-year-old woman who filed the complaint passed away last month in a private hospital due to lung cancer. Despite her passing, the case has continued to progress under the scrutiny of the CID. On June 17, Yediyurappa was questioned by the CID for approximately three hours in connection with the case. This interrogation marks a critical phase in the investigation as the CID compiles evidence and testimonies to support the charges against the former Chief Minister.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Karnataka High Court had previously issued orders restraining the CID from arresting Yediyurappa. This order provides temporary relief to the former Chief Minister, allowing him to remain out of custody while the investigation continues. The high-profile nature of this case, involving a prominent political figure, has attracted significant public and media attention.

B S Yediyurappa

Yediyurappa, a veteran politician with a substantial following, has found himself at the center of this scandal. His denial of the charges and assertion of a conspiracy against him have fueled a narrative of political intrigue and manipulation. Supporters of Yediyurappa view the charges as an attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine his political standing. On the other hand, detractors argue that the law must take its course, and justice should be served, irrespective of the accused’s political stature.

The CID’s charge sheet filing is a procedural step that indicates the completion of their preliminary investigation. It suggests that the agency believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecuting Yediyurappa. The special court handling POCSO cases will now review the charge sheet and determine the subsequent legal proceedings. This case is expected to undergo rigorous scrutiny, given the involvement of a high-profile accused and the sensitive nature of the charges.

As the legal battle unfolds, it is likely to impact the political landscape in Karnataka. Yediyurappa’s supporters within the BJP and his broader political base will be closely monitoring the proceedings. The outcome of this case could influence public opinion and potentially alter the dynamics within the party. Conversely, opposition parties may leverage the case to question the BJP’s moral standing and governance.

The allegations against Yediyurappa and the subsequent legal proceedings highlight the broader issue of accountability and transparency in public office. Cases involving accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power are critical in shaping public trust in political leaders and institutions. The legal system’s handling of this case will be indicative of its commitment to justice and the rule of law, irrespective of an individual’s social or political standing.

In conclusion, the filing of the charge sheet against B S Yediyurappa by the CID marks a pivotal moment in this high-profile molestation case. The legal proceedings that follow will be closely watched, not only for their judicial outcomes but also for their broader implications on Karnataka’s political landscape. Yediyurappa’s steadfast denial and claims of a conspiracy add layers of complexity to an already intricate case. As the special court examines the charge sheet and moves forward with the trial, the pursuit of justice remains paramount, serving as a reminder of the principles that underpin a fair and democratic society.

On Friday, a Bengaluru court remanded JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna to the custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) until June 6, in connection with the Hassan sex abuse case. The lawmaker, accused of raping at least two women, including a former maid in her 60s, and sexually harassing another woman, was presented before the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM).

Prajwal Revanna was arrested by SIT officials shortly after his arrival at Bengaluru‘s Kempegowda International Airport from Munich, Germany, at 12:53 am on Friday. He had reportedly fled abroad following the surfacing of sleaze videos during the April 26 Lok Sabha elections in southern Karnataka.

After spending the night in a holding cell at the SIT office located at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Bengaluru, Prajwal underwent a medical checkup at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Shivajinagar. Subsequently, he was produced before the magistrate.

Special Public Prosecutor Ashok Naik, representing the SIT, requested 14 days of police custody for Prajwal. However, Prajwal’s advocate, Arun G, argued that the initial FIR filed against his client did not mention rape charges until May 5 and opposed the extended police custody. Naik countered by stating that there were “several pieces of evidence” against Prajwal and reiterated the demand for police custody. In response, Arun suggested that one day of police custody would suffice for interrogation, urging the court not to remand Prajwal for more than a day.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Shivakumar reserved the order. Following an hour-long break, the judge remanded Prajwal in police custody until June 6. The SIT, as sources indicated, plans to begin the investigation process as early as Saturday, including conducting a spot mahazar (recreation of the crime scene) and potentially a potency test on Prajwal.

On Friday morning, before Prajwal was taken for his medical examination, his counsel Arun visited him at the SIT office. Addressing the media, Arun stated that Prajwal was fully cooperating with the SIT and appealed for no media trial, emphasizing Prajwal’s request for a fair hearing without prejudgment. Arun urged the media, both English and Kannada, to respect Prajwal’s legal rights while carrying out their duties.

According to Arun, the SIT had shown Prajwal’s arrest in the first case of sexual harassment, registered on April 28 at the Holenarasipura Town police station. This case also implicates Prajwal’s father, Holenarasipura MLA HD Revanna, as the first accused. Both are charged with sexually harassing a 47-year-old former house help.

The allegations against Prajwal Revanna have sparked significant attention, given his political standing and the serious nature of the charges. The Hassan sex abuse case has emerged as a high-profile investigation, with the SIT under pressure to conduct a thorough and impartial probe. The upcoming days will be crucial as the SIT delves deeper into the allegations and evidence surrounding Prajwal Revanna and his alleged victims.

The legal proceedings against Prajwal will be closely watched, not just for their outcome, but also for the broader implications they may have on addressing sexual harassment and abuse within political spheres. As the SIT continues its investigation, the case underscores the importance of upholding justice and the rule of law, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable for their actions.

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda issued a stern warning to his grandson, Hassan JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna, who is wanted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) over sexual abuse charges, to return from abroad immediately. The warning was delivered through a letter posted on X, wherein Gowda emphasized the importance of regaining public trust, which has supported him for over six decades.

Prajwal Revanna left for Germany on April 26 after voting in the Lok Sabha polls. Following the sexual abuse charges against him, Karnataka’s political landscape was shaken, prompting the state government to establish the SIT and secure an Interpol blue corner alert to track him down.

Gowda’s public reprimand came after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel Prajwal’s diplomatic passport. Days earlier, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, Prajwal’s uncle, expressed ignorance about his nephew’s whereabouts and appealed for his return through the media.

On his 91st birthday on May 18, Gowda broke his silence, expressing no objection to legal action against Prajwal. He alleged that the Congress government fabricated cases against his son, HD Revanna, Prajwal’s father, who serves as Holenarasipura MLA. Revanna faced arrest over the alleged kidnapping of Prajwal’s victim but was released on bail.

In his letter, Gowda recounted the emotional turmoil caused by the allegations against Prajwal. He described his shock and pain, stating that he supported the harshest legal penalties if Prajwal is found guilty. He acknowledged the severe criticism directed at his family and refrained from countering the public’s harsh words, asserting his commitment to truth and conscience.

Gowda insisted he had no prior knowledge of Prajwal’s activities or his foreign trip, emphasizing his faith in divine justice. He avoided commenting on political conspiracies or falsehoods, trusting that those responsible would eventually face divine retribution.

Gowda concluded his letter with a definitive warning: Prajwal must return and submit to the legal process. This was not a mere appeal but a direct order, with severe familial and legal consequences for non-compliance. Gowda stressed that neither he nor his family would interfere with the investigation, underscoring the paramount importance of justice for the victims of Prajwal’s alleged actions.

Gowda’s firm stance highlights his dedication to maintaining integrity and justice, reflecting his deep commitment to the principles he has upheld throughout his extensive political career. The former Prime Minister’s demand for Prajwal’s return and accountability underlines a significant moment in Karnataka’s political and judicial landscape.