Yeddyurappa orders CID probe to rape charge against Karnataka minister

Bangalore, May 3 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has ordered a CID probe into the rape charges lodged by a woman against former State Food and Civil Supplies Minister H Halappa.

Talking to reporters here, Yeddyurappa said: "I have decided to order a CID probe. Let the truth come out. Whoever is guilty, should get punishment."

Yeddyurappa further accused the opposition of trying to give a new form to the issue.

Halappa quit on Sunday after a leading Kannada daily published a front-page report alleging he sexually assaulted his friend's wife.

Speaking to media after submitting his resignation to Yeddyurappa, Halappa said he was holding discussions with his lawyer to take further legal actions.

Halappa claimed that he resigned on moral grounds and to boost the morale of party workers.

After Halappa's exit, the woman and her husband lodged a complaint of rape and criminal intimidation against him.

She filed a complaint under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

She also released a CD to media, which contains visuals of Halappa in his house. (ANI)