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.

MLC Suraj Revanna, a member of the Janata Dal (Secular) party, has been arrested following allegations of sexually abusing a 27-year-old man in Hassan district. The incident, which has shocked the local community, has drawn widespread media attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused, who is the grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. The case has now been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

MLC Suraj Revanna

The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim, a young man from Arkalgud taluk in Hassan district. The victim alleged that Suraj Revanna, the eldest son of Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna, sexually abused him at his farmhouse in Ghannikada on June 16. According to the complaint, Suraj promised the young man a job as a way to lure him to the farmhouse, where the alleged abuse took place. The victim reported the incident to the Holenarasipura police, who registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 377 (unnatural offences), Section 342 (wrongful confinement), and Section 506 (criminal intimidation).

Following the registration of the complaint, Suraj Revanna was apprehended and initially held in Hassan. However, the investigation was quickly transferred to the CID, a move that is often made in high-profile cases to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation. Suraj was then transferred to Bengaluru, where he was produced before the 42nd Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (ACMM) judge at the judge’s residence. The magistrate remanded Suraj in judicial custody for 14 days.

Suraj Revanna has vehemently denied the allegations against him, claiming that the complaint is part of an extortion attempt. He has accused the victim of filing a false complaint in an effort to extort Rs 5 crore from him. This counter-claim has added another layer of complexity to the case, as it suggests that there may be more at play than initially meets the eye.

The allegations against Suraj have sent shockwaves through the political community, particularly within the Janata Dal (Secular) party. As a prominent political figure and the grandson of a former Prime Minister, Suraj’s arrest has garnered significant media coverage. The case also highlights the ongoing issues of power dynamics and abuse within Indian politics, a subject that has been the focus of much public and media scrutiny in recent years.

The judicial proceedings and the CID’s investigation will be closely watched by the public and media alike. Cases involving high-profile individuals often attract intense scrutiny, not only because of the individuals involved but also because of the broader implications for justice and accountability within the political system. The outcome of this case could have significant repercussions, both for Suraj Revanna personally and for the political landscape in Karnataka.

As the case progresses, it is essential to ensure that the investigation is conducted impartially and that all parties involved are given a fair hearing. The CID’s involvement is a positive step in this direction, as it brings a level of expertise and impartiality that is crucial in high-stakes cases such as this. Additionally, it is vital for the judicial system to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that any decision made is based on a thorough and fair examination of the evidence.

The allegations against Suraj Revanna are serious and have the potential to significantly impact his political career and personal life. For now, he remains in judicial custody, and the CID’s investigation continues. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the course of this case and its eventual outcome.

The state government on Friday dismissed Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) chairperson Shanth A Thimmaiah from his position for abuse of powers and violation of rules in three different instances, including sidestepping transparency laws while awarding works worth Rs 17 crore.

Last year, the government had issued a notice to Thimmaiah stating that he violated the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act as well as the rules for selecting a single source agency in awarding advertisement works worth Rs 17 crore. This was done without the technical endorsement from the member secretary and the necessary administrative approvals.

Thimmaiah had replied that the decision was brought to the notice of the Board, which had given post-facto approval. He argued that giving notice to the chairman was inappropriate since the board had endorsed his action, making it a collective decision.

However, the government noted that work worth Rs 3.4 crore was given to Sai Advertisers though the agency did not submit the cost sheet. Similarly, the government said the chairman illegally awarded work to Signpost India Pvt Ltd without inviting bids.

In the case of Rs 7 crore work given to Adonmo Pvt Ltd, the government said Thimmaiah “abused power” and picked the company “illegally” by violating the rules to set up a selection committee. As per the rules issued in 1976, the chairman has powers to decide on tender worth up to Rs 25,000. “However, by awarding works worth over Rs 7 crore, it is very clear that Shanth A Thimmaiah has abused his powers,” the order said.

In the second instance, the government had served notice to Thimmaiah for appointing Suri Payala, the IT Manager at KSPCB, as the member secretary (additional charge). As per the rule, the post can be held by a senior All India Service officer with a master’s degree in science or an equivalent degree in allied sciences with prior experience in matters connected to KSPCB.

Thimmaiah was appointed for three years in November 2021 in violation of the law. As per rule, his tenure would have been limited to less than six months. The Congress government sought to correct the mistake by removing him in August 2023. However, the Karnataka High Court granted a stay and allowed him to continue.

“As per The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act Section 4(2)(f) and as per high court orders, appointing chairman, member secretary, and members is a power vested with the government,” the order said, adding that Thimmaiah exceeded his brief.

The third instance related to the alleged scam in the clearances given to Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd, a plastic recycling company. An audit by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) found that the firm was not operational but had issued extended producer responsibility (EPR) certificates for recycling 3.48 lakh tonnes. The KSPCB had issued consent to operate the factory within seven days after issuing consent to set up the plant.

To a notice issued by the government for not suspending the officials responsible for the scam, Thimmaiah had stated that prior permission from the government was necessary for such actions. However, Thimmaiah had unilaterally suspended three environment officers. “This shows contradictory positions and biased action,” the order said, adding that his argument was “baseless”.

The dismissal order was accompanied by another order in which the government gave additional charge of Chairman’s position to B P Ravi, principal secretary (Ecology and Environment).

Thimmaiah’s tenure as KSPCB chairperson has been marred by controversies and allegations of rule violations. His decisions to award contracts without proper procedure and his appointments within the board have raised serious questions about governance and transparency. The government’s decisive action to remove him reflects its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability within its institutions.

The awarding of significant contracts without the required endorsements and approvals is a grave violation that undermines public trust in governmental processes. The appointment of an IT manager to a senior administrative position bypassing established norms also showcases a disregard for due process.

The scandal involving Enviro Recyclean Pvt Ltd further compounds the issues, highlighting the lapses in regulatory oversight and potential corruption within the KSPCB under Thimmaiah’s leadership. The swift issuance of consents to the non-operational company points to severe procedural failures that demand stringent corrective measures.

Thimmaiah’s removal is a crucial step towards restoring the integrity of the KSPCB. It sends a clear message that misuse of power and violations of rules will not be tolerated. The appointment of B P Ravi as the interim chairperson aims to bring stability and ensure that the board’s operations are aligned with legal and procedural standards.

The government must continue to scrutinize and rectify any further irregularities to rebuild confidence in the KSPCB. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to established regulations in maintaining the credibility of public institutions.