Mother Of 17-Year-Old Girl Who Filed POCSO Case Against B.S. Yediyurappa Dies In Bengaluru

The mother of a 17-year-old girl who had filed a POCSO case against former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa died at a private hospital here due to lung cancer, police said on Monday. The woman, identified as Mamata, died atNano Hospitals in Hulimavu due to breathing problems.

"The woman was diagnosed with lung cancer in the past and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital. On Sunday night, she passed away and as per doctors treating her, she was in the advanced stage of lung cancer," they said.

The deceased woman's daughter had previously accused Yediyurappa of sexual assault. On February 2, 2024, the mother and daughter had visited Yediyurappa's residence to request an investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). During their visit, Yediyurappa reportedly spoke to them for nine minutes, consoling both the girl and her mother. However, a few days later, the girl's mother accused Yediyurappa of sexual assault, an allegation he has firmly denied, calling it malicious. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the CID.

The complaint alleged that the senior BJP leader sexually assaulted the minor girl during a meeting regarding official matters on February 2. Police registered a case against the former CM under Section 8 of POCSO (sexual assault) and Section 354 A (sexual harassment).

"Last night around 10 pm, a lady registered a complaint against B.S. Yediyurappa. Police have registered the case. Until we know the truth, we can't reveal anything," Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara told media persons. The state home minister emphasized the sensitivity of the matter, given that it involves the former chief minister of Karnataka.

"I don't think there is any political angle to this. If the distressed woman needs protection, then it will be given," Parameshwara added.

In response to the sexual assault charges, Yediyurappa explained the series of events on February 2. "A few days ago, a woman came to my house. She was crying, saying that there was some problem. I asked her what the matter was and personally called the police commissioner about the issue and told him to help her," the former CM said.

However, Yediyurappa noted that the woman later began speaking against him. "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.

On March 14, hours after the Sadashivanagar police registered the case under section 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 354 A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Karnataka Director General of Police Alok Mohan issued an order transferring it to Crime Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation with immediate effect.

The CID has so far recorded the statement of the victim and her mother under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), they added.