Venkateshmurthy says former food and civil supplies minister betrayed his trust by attempting to rape his wife
Venkateshmurthy says former food and civil supplies minister betrayed his trust by attempting to rape his wife
Reliable sources say it is a dispute over money that led BJP member Venkateshmurthy to expose Food and Civil Supplies Minister Haratahalu Halappa.
The minister resigned yesterday after a Kannada daily carried a story in which, Venkateshmurthy alleged that he had recorded the minister as he tried to rape his wife Chandravati.
ADVERTISEMENT
Halappa, a CM Yeddyurappa loyalist, not only blames the rival camp led by the Bellary Reddy camp, for his condition, he is also pointing fingers at his old mentor S Bangarappa, a strong man from Shimoga who is now with the Congress.
However, sources close to Halappa, said it is the minister's womanising ways and Venkateshmurthy's greed that are to be blamed.
"It is known to every one in the district that Venkateshmurthy was closed to Halappa and the minister used to visit his house," said the source.
u00a0
"There was a dispute between the two over money, which is why Venkateshmurthy recorded Halappa when he tried to force Chandravati to have sex with him."
It is understood that senior BJP senior leaders including Yeddyurappa and Eswarappa knew about the issue, as Halappa had complained to them about Ventakeshmurthy.
The leaders intervened in the matter but could get Venkateshmurthy and Halappa to iron out their differences. It was the failed attempts at mediation that led Venkateshmurthy to approach the daily.
Refuting the charges, Halappa, said, "Though I know Venkateshmurthy as a party member, I was never close to him. It is not true that I interacted with him or his wife closely."
However, Venkateshmurthy said that the minister was close to his family and had stayed with them on the night when he attempted to rape his wife. "Why should I tell a lie. I thought he was a true friend.
u00a0
He turned out to be a crook. It is true that I lent him money but I have no dispute with Halappa over money," Venkateshmurthy said.
Chandravati, filed a complaint against Halappa yesterday evening with Director General of Police Ajay Kumar Singh at his residence under Section 378 of the Indian Penal Code, accusing him of attempt to rape.
"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels 
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
