Big Relief to BJP in Karnataka after Court Acquits Ex-Minister Harathalu Halappa Accused in Rape Case

Shivamogga: In a big relief to BJP unit in Karnataka and former state minister Harathalu Halappa, second additional district court on Thursday in Shivamogga town acquitted the ex-minister Halappa who was accused in a rape case. The announcement by court judge BG Rama came following lack of evidence to prove the rape case registered against Halappa. With the new court order announced, political career of Halappa is expected to remain unharmed as he had been facing rape charges for the last 7.5 years.

In a charge sheet registered against former Karnataka State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Haratahalu Halappa, the accused raped wife of his friend, Venkateshmurthy on November 26, 2009 and a police complaint registered against him in May 2010. The incident took place at the residence of Venkateshmurthy located at Vinobanagar in Shivamogga when the accused was a minister in BJP led Karnataka government. Venkateshmurthy in his complaint alleged that the minister sent him out to bring medicine and subsequently raped his wife.

Speaking on the court judgment the minister said that in an attempt to end his political future a group of people made a conspiracy against him and the conspiracy would be made public soon to reveal truth.