Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda defends son, alleges blackmail
Kannada actor Maithriya has claimed she and Karthik had wed in an unofficial ceremony earlier this year after a whirlwind romance. Karthik was madly in love with me: Maithriya Gowda
Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda on Thursday defended his son Karthik after Kannada actor Maithriya claimed that she is married to him.
A case of rape was registered against the son of the railway minister on a complaint by Maithriya.
Gowda expressed shock at the allegation and suspected a conspiracy and attempt to blackmail, while his son Karthik rejected the woman's claim.
He also said, "Law is equal for everyone, there are allegations against my son let the investigation happen, we are ready to face any investigation."
Gowda told reporters in Kushalnagar that he was "shocked" and "hurt" at the allegations levelled by her.
He also suspected "a big conspiracy" adding, "I feel hurt. My life is an open book. I will not lie or cheat public...I am shocked...this kind of blackmail." Karthik was madly in love with me: Maithriya Gowda
He said his family would also not give room "for any such things (cheating)".
"I will speak to my son...I have to think if a girl has to blackmail...if Sadananda Gowda becomes a scapegoat...", he said.
The case has been booked against Karthik under sections 376 (punishment for rape) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code.
Who is Maithriya?
Maithriya, who was a small-time model and has acted in a Kannada film as a heroine, claimed she is married to the minister's son, who got engaged to another woman at a ceremony at Kushalnagar in Kodagu District on Wednesday.
She claimed on Kannada TV channels that they came to know of each other through a common friend and later got married.
"We went on several dates and he promised to marry me. He was madly in love with me," said Maithriya, the star of Kannada films such as Mourya, Nanda, and Topiwala.
The actor admitted that she has no proof to validate her statement.
"There is no evidence to prove this... There was no one at home except the car driver," she said.
Reacting to Maithriya's claims, Karthik said, "There is nothing like that...My father is a respectable man...why should I spoil it."