'Crores of rupees are changing hands'

Halappa's supporters in the BJP are working hard to ensure the former minister comes out clean in ongoing investigations into the sex scandal

Halappa's supporters in the BJP are working hard to ensure the former minister comes out clean in ongoing investigations into the sex scandal

The story may end well for former minister Haratalu Halappa who has been accused of raping Chandravathi, the wife of Shimoga moneylender and BJP supporter Venkateshmurthy.
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Sources in the CID ream revealed to MiD DAY that she has agreed to go soft on the issue.
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CID sleuths questioning Chandravathi and her husband Venkateshmurthy at their residence in Shimoga, for the second day yesterday, are believed to be coercing the couple to take a stand that will help Halappa come out clean in the matter.

According to sources, CID sleuths questioning Chandravathi and Venkateshmurthy are believed to be coercing the couple to take a stand that will helpu00a0Halappa come out clean in the matter

Foul play?

"While investigating the case, the team is also exploring the possibility of foul play by Venkateshmurthy," said a source.

"In fact, it is not an enquiry that the CID is conducting, persuasion is a better word for what has been transpiring. Chandravathi may change her stand, saying she had complained out of compulsion."

In the meantime, Halappa's anticipatory bail application has been admitted by the Shimoga Court. It comes up for hearing on May 11.

Halappa, who has not been seen for two days, is expected to appear in the CID office, in Bangalore, on Thursday.

Consensual sex?

"Halappa and Chandravathi were having an affair. The sex was consensual. Everyone knows it," said the source.

"The CID sleuths are getting Chandravathi to admit the fact before they corner Venkateshmurthy."

The CID sleuths are reportedly questioning the couple separately.
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The line of questioning is believed to be strongly influenced by details supplied by Halappa. The extent of their knowledge has reportedly stumped Chandravathi.

Taken aback

"She was taken aback when the sleuths revealed to her intimate details of her affair with Halappa.
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While the CID arrested Nithyananda on charges of rape despite the fact that there is no aggrieved party, they are procrastinating in the Halappa case.

They have not taken him into custody despite the fact that the complainant is around. Here, they have chosen to mediate between the parties," said a source in the CID.

Money is also being said to be part of the bargain.

"Crores of rupees are changing hands so Halappa can be come out clean on the mess," the source said. Lokesh Kumar, superintendent of CID, and a member of the investigating team, said the allegations were baseless.

"These are all speculations. I won't react to this. All can say is that the investigation is proceeding in right direction. We are handling the case professionally," Kumar said.
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Halappa's supporters are reportedly working hard onu00a0 Venkateshmurthy's first wife in order to pressure him further. Venkateshmurthy remained unavailable for comments despite repeated calls.