Former Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa has been booked for alleged sexual assault on a minor rape victim based on a complaint lodged by her mother.

One of the most influential leaders of the state, Yediyurappa has been named in an FIR registered late on Thursday under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The BJP veteran, who has been grappling with dissidence in the party from senior leaders ignored for Lok Sabha tickets, confirmed that he has been booked in the case.

According to the complainant, Yediyurappa took her 17-year-old daughter to a room and touched her inappropriately and molested her.

The mother claimed she met Yediyurappa to get justice for her rape-victim daughter and get a special investigation team to probe the case.

Yediyurappa denied the allegation, saying he had only tried to help the mother and daughter by sending them to city police commissioner B. Dayananda. “They used to come here (to his home) several times. But I never entertained them. One day I found them in tears and took them inside and asked about their woes,” he said.

“She (the mother) spoke about some injustice against them. I then called the police commissioner and requested him to help them…. I even gave some money, taking pity on them. Yet this happened. I will face it,” he said.

The mother lodged the complaint on Thursday, after which Sadashivanagar police station registered the FIR under IPC Section 354 (a) (sexual harassment) and the Pocso Act. Home minister G. Parameshwar said a case had been registered.