Karnataka minister resigns over rape charges - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister Hartalu Hallapa, who is facing charges of raping a friend's wife, resigned from his post on Sunday, NDTV reported. A report of the alleged incident was flashed as a banner headline in the front page of a leading Kannada daily (Vijaya Karnataka) on Sunday. It was reported that an influential minister in the B S Yeddyrappa-led Government had attempted to sexually molest the wife of his close friend at the latter's house in Shimoga recently. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said that some vested interests have hatched a conspiracy to malign his government and his cabinet colleague H. Halappa. His comment came hours after a Kannada language paper said State Food and Civil Supplies Minister H Halappa had allegedly raped his friend’s wife. Halappa resigned this morning following allegations. Speaking to newsmen here, Yeddyurappa said: “It’s conspiracy against my Government. Some people who were not happy with the progress of Halappa did this.” He also alleged that the Congress Party is behind when the state is going for Gram Panchayat elections. In Bangalore , Halappa too defended himself saying it’s a “100 percent political conspiracy, as some people are against the government.” Speaking to media after submitting his resignation to Yeddyurappa, Halappa said he is holding discussions with his lawyer to take further legal actions. “I am holding discussions with my lawyer and I will also discuss the matter in detail with Chief Minister,” he said. Halappa claimed that he resigned on moral grounds and to boost the morale of party workers. The opposition Congress Party demanded Chief Minister Yeddyurappa’s resignation, alleging that he was protecting ministers with criminal background. “Yeddyurappa should resign as he is protecting ministers with criminal background,” said Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president R V Deshpande. He said Yeddyurappa and the BJP should take moral responsibility for the incident as it happened in his own district. “The incident happened right under the nose of Chief Minister and state BJP president Eshwarappa. Both belongs to Shimoga District, therefore they should take moral responsibility for the incident,” Deshpande said. Halappa represents Sorab constituency of Shimoga District in the State Assembly. Deshpande refuted Yeddyurappa’s allegation that the Congress Party is behind the exposure. “How can the Congress Party be behind it, when press exposed the incident?” Deshpade asked. Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj has accepted Halappa’s resignation on the Chief Minister’s recommendation. State Transport Minister R Ashok has been given the additional charge of Food and Civil Supplies Department.