Ex-Karnataka minister Halappa's bail plea in court today

Shimoga, May 11 (ANI): The bail plea of former Karnataka minister Hartal Halappa who was arrested on charges of rape, will come up for hearing in the High Court today.

On Monday, his judicial custody was extended till May 24.

After his arrest on Sunday, Halappa was moved to a hospital after he complained of chest pain.

The charges against him include rape, intimidation, unlawful restraint and confinement. Halappa has denied the charges, accusing his political rivals of trying to malign him.

Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa had on May 3 announced a CID probe after Halappa resigned on May 2 following a Kannada media report on the alleged incident that took place in November 2009.

Chandravati, the alleged rape victim, filed the complaint. She, her husband Venkatesh Murthy and a lawyer called on State Director General of Police Ajay Kumar Singh at his residence and filed a report against the minister.

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

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