Exclusive interview: B S Yediyurappa must go to jail, says POCSO victim’s brother

After HC refused to quash, blrpost.com exclusively spoke to the victim’s brother

In an emotional conversation following the Karnataka High Court’s decision to allow the POCSO trial against former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa to proceed, the victim’s brother said the verdict has revived their hope for justice. He stressed that Yediyurappa must go behind the bars. 

He described the long struggle to even file the initial FIR, calling the journey “a great difficulty filled with delays”. While he acknowledged that the State government has met its basic responsibility by opposing attempts to halt the case, they stress the need for stronger institutional support for the victim. 

The family urges the BJP to ensure accountability by suspending Yediyurappa from the party. He also expects the trial court to act without fear or external influence. The sister continues to battle trauma, he said, underscoring the necessity of long-term psychological support. The family demands an apology from leaders who labelled the victim’s mother “mentally unstable” and seeks additional legal and limited financial support from the State.

Excerpts from the interview

Q. After the High Court verdict allowing the case to proceed, do you finally feel a sense of hope returning? 

A. Yes, absolutely. For months, we lived with the fear that the case would be stalled or silenced. The High Court’s decision to let the trial move forward has genuinely revived our hope. For the first time, we feel that the justice system is acknowledging our struggle and giving us a fair chance to be heard. This verdict is a small but significant step toward truth and justice.

Q. From your perspective, has the State government fulfilled its responsibility in this matter?

A. The State government has met the bare minimum requirement by opposing attempts to stop the trial. But honestly, that is not enough. There were long delays, unnecessary hurdles, and a constant sense that we were fighting this battle alone. Even filing the initial FIR was a huge struggle for us—it should not have been so difficult for a victim’s family. The State must go beyond procedural formality and actually support families who are navigating such traumatic cases.

Q. What actions do you believe the BJP must now take in relation to Yediyurappa?

A.The BJP must demonstrate that no leader is above accountability. At the very least, Yediyurappa should be suspended from the party and organisational roles until the case reaches its conclusion. Continuing to keep him in important positions sends a very dangerous message—that political influence can overshadow the seriousness of allegations involving a child. The party has a responsibility to set moral and political standards.

Q. What do you expect from the trial court as the case progresses?

A.We expect the trial court to examine every piece of evidence with complete fairness and independence. The case involves a powerful political figure, so the pressure and influence will be immense. But we trust that the court will not allow that to impact the judicial process. Ultimately, we hope the truth emerges clearly. BSY must go behind the bars.  Justice must be delivered without fear, favour, or compromise.

Q. The incident must have deeply affected your sister. How is she doing now?

A.She is still going through a very painful recovery process. Trauma of this nature does not fade quickly—it affects a person emotionally, mentally, and physically. She has moments where she struggles to even talk about what happened. Healing will take time, and she needs constant emotional support, counselling, and a safe environment. As a family, we are doing everything we can to help her rebuild confidence.

Q. Some leaders made extremely insensitive remarks, including calling the victim’s mother mentally unstable. Do you believe they should apologise?

A.Without question, yes. Those comments were not just irresponsible—they were cruel. A grieving mother who was fighting for justice was mocked and dismissed. What if someone said such things about their own mothers or sisters? Would they accept it quietly? Leaders must apologise publicly and acknowledge that they crossed ethical and moral boundaries. Their words added to our pain at an already difficult time.

Q. Are you expecting any form of support from the State now? If so, what kind of support do you need?

A.Yes, we are hoping for two forms of assistance. First, we need strong legal support so that we can continue fighting this case effectively without being overpowered by political influence. Second, we are requesting limited financial assistance for my sister’s education and well-being. This ordeal has placed a strain on our family, and any support would make a meaningful difference in her recovery and future.