Ex-minister Halappa acquitted in rape case for want of evidence

BJP leader and former minister Hartal Halappa heaved a sigh of relief on Thursday as the Second Additional District & Sessions Court here acquitted him of rape charge, citing lack of evidence.

The Judge B G Rama pronounced the verdict in the seven-year old rape case.

Speaking to DH, Halappa's lawyer Ashok G Bhat said that as per the documents produced before the court, Chandrawathi, the complainant and wife of Halappa’s friend Venkatesh Murthy, had stayed at a private lodge in Shivamogga with their children on November 27, 2009. But, she had complained to the Vinobnagar police here that she was raped by Halappa at her house in Shivamogga the same day. "How could this be possible when she was with her family in the lodge. Considering all these factors, the judge might have acquitted the accused," he said.

A M Suresh Kumar, public prosecutor, said he has not yet received the  judgement copy. But, the judge pronounced that the accused is acquitted of the offence punishable under section 376 of IPC.

Speaking to reporters on the premises of the court, Halappa said the court’s verdict shows that a false case was filed against him. “Many people stood by me and helped me to come out clean. I would thank all those who helped me during my difficult days. It was a political conspiracy to tarnish to my image,” he said.

As soon as the verdict was pronounced, Halappa's followers garlanded him.

Halappa, who was Food and Civil Supplies minister in B S Yeddyurappa government had resigned after a rape complaint was registered against him in the Vinobhanagar police station. Later, the case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department.