Karnataka CM orders CID probe into sexual assault case

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today ordered a CID inquiry into the rape charges lodged by a woman against Harathalu Halappa, who quit as the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies following a media report on the alleged incident.

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Monday ordered a CID inquiry into the rape charges lodged by a woman against Harathalu Halappa, who quit as the Minister of Food and Civil Supplies following a media report on the alleged incident.

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"I have decided now to order a CID inquiry. Let the truth come out. Whoever is guilty should get punishment," he told reporters in Bangalore.

The CM said the opposition was "harping" on Halappa who had resigned even before the charges against him were proved.

Congress is demanding Halappa's arrest and a CBI probe into the charge.

Yeddyurappa accused them of trying to give a "new form" to the issue and resorting to "political revenge".

Asked if the alleged incident would hurt BJP's prospects in the Panchayat elections slated for May 8 and 12, the CM said "People are wise and they know what is right and what is wrong. Why was this brought out just before Panchayat elections?" he asked.

The alleged sexual assault took place in the last week of November.