Daijiworld Media Network – Ballari
Ballari, Jan 19: In a development that has triggered a political storm in Karnataka, a case has been registered against former minister and senior BJP leader B Sriramulu under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Ballari women’s police station.
The FIR alleges that Sriramulu publicly disclosed the identity of a minor POCSO survivor, a serious offence under law. According to the complaint, he revealed the survivor’s name, community and the educational institution she attends, thereby making her identity widely known.
The incident reportedly occurred during a BJP protest meeting at the APMC premises in Ballari. While addressing the gathering and launching a sharp attack on Ballari MLA Bharat Reddy, Sriramulu, in the heat of his speech, allegedly crossed a legal line. While speaking on the alleged drug mafia in Ballari and the deteriorating law-and-order situation, he is said to have referred to sensitive details of a minor girl who had recently been sexually assaulted.
Under the POCSO Act, the identity of a child victim cannot be disclosed under any circumstances. The complaint states that by mentioning these details in a public forum, Sriramulu violated the provisions of the Act.
Based on a suo motu complaint lodged by APMC police station CPI Mohammed Rafiq, the Ballari women’s police registered a case against Sriramulu under Sections 23(1) and 23(2) of the POCSO Act, 2012, and Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. Police have taken up further investigation.
The case comes amid heightened political tension in Ballari. On January 1, clashes erupted between Congress and BJP workers over the erection of banners for the unveiling of a Valmiki statue. During the violence, a youth named Rajashekar was killed in a firing incident.
In that case, G Janardhana Reddy and B Sriramulu have already been booked under multiple sections, including attempt to murder, and the investigation has been handed over to the CID. Against this backdrop, the registration of a POCSO case against Sriramulu is being viewed as a major setback for the senior BJP leader.
While Sriramulu has previously drawn attention for controversial remarks, this time the allegation involves the violation of laws meant to protect the identity and dignity of a minor survivor, placing him in serious legal trouble and adding a new dimension to the ongoing political and legal developments in Ballari.