A day after Governor H.R. Bhardwaj granted them permission for prosecuting Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, advocates K.N. Balaraj and Sirajin Bhasha filed criminal cases against Mr. Yeddyurappa, his two sons and a former Minister, at a special Lokayukta court here on Saturday.
Mr. Yeddyurappa, his sons B.Y. Raghavendra and B.Y. Vijayendra as well as former Minister S.N. Krishnaiah Setty were listed as accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioners, advocate C.H. Hanumantharaya filed two cases before the 24th Additional Sessions judge Chandrashekar Hipparagi in a packed courtroom.
The accused in the first case include Mr. Yeddyurappa, Mr. Raghavendra, Mr. Vijayendra and Mr. Setty. The second case names Mr. Yeddyurappa and 14 others as accused. Both the cases pertain to the alleged “pecuniary gain” made by the accused by de-notifying land as well as the alleged “illegal allotment” of sites.
The cases were filed under the IPC sections 415, 416, 420, 465, 468, 463 and 471, relating to cheating and forgery as well as section 13/1 (d) and 13/1 (b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which relate to “Criminal Misconduct by a Public Servant.” The next hearing of the case is slated for Monday, January 24.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Hanumantharaya said a total of 18 criminal cases would be filed in the coming days against Mr. Yeddyurappa, his kin as well as senior Ministers and members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Three more cases would be filed on Monday, he said.
The filing of the cases before the special court, which has triggered intense political activity in the State, was possible after Governor H.S. Bhardwaj approved a petition filed by Mr. Bhasha and Mr. Balaraj on December 28, 2010 seeking sanction to prosecute the Chief Minister.
