Hospital officials can't explain why rape-accused former minister is admitted in VVIP ward for blood pressure

Hale-and-hearty Halappa

Hospital officials can't explain why rape-accused former minister is admitted in VVIP ward for blood pressure

While former minister Haratalu Halappa, now an under-trail-prisoner, rests in a VVIP special ward in Victoria hospital, thanks his close proximity to CM B S Yeddyurappa, hospital authorities are finding it increasingly difficult to keep him there.

"There is no reason for Halappa to be in the hospital. He has no ailment beyond slight blood pressure and mild diabetes.

"There are so many questions about his stay that we are in no position to answer. We are however in no position to protest with the CM backing him."

It has almost been two weeks since Halappa was brought into the hospital after the court remanded him to judicial custody after his friend's wife Chandravathi accused him of rape.

As per the rule an under-trail or a convict has to be placed in a jail ward in a hospital, but Victoria Hospital authorities ignored the norms and had him admitted him in VVIP section.

Dr B G Tilak, medical superintendent, Victoria Hospital, said, " Halappa has mild fever and his blood pressure tends to fluctuate. He also has diabetes.

Don't ask me why he is here. The court has sent him here and we have been regularly updating his health report."

Sources in Victoria Hospital said Dr Tilak was turning a blind eye towards Halappa in order to cosy up to the CM.

"Dr Tilak wants to be made the director of the Bangalore Medical College. He sees Halappa as an means to this end.

However, it is unlikely that he can keep Halappa at the hospital for long. Halappa will soon be transferred to jail," said the source.

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