The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), probing the rape charge against former Karnataka Minister H. Halappa, on Tuesday said it would not desist from arresting him if there is a prima facie case.
Two days after Mr. Halappa’s exit as minister following the rape charge, the CID said a team has been despatched to Shimoga, his home town, and was making inquiries.
“If a prima facie case is established, it is a cognizable case and arrest is imminent, then the arrest will be effected,” Charan Reddy, DIG, CID, told reporters here as the agency began its probe on Tuesday.
The alleged victim and her husband, a financer, have lodged an FIR, claiming the Minister had raped her and later threatened them with dire consequences if they spoke out about it.
Mr. Reddy said the CID would record statements of the victim and her husband, examine video clippings recorded by her husband and details of threatening phone calls.
Police have slapped charges of rape, wrongful confinement and intimidation against Mr. Halappa who has however denied them.
