Halappa was in Shimoga on day of crime: Govt

During the hearing of the case on Monday, the State submitted that the police had corroborative evidence regarding the presence of the former minister on the day of the crime.

When the Court sought the details to be submitted by the prosecution, the State said that some of the documents obtained from Venkateshmurthy, the husband of the alleged victim Chandravathi, is with the Forensic Science Laboratory and sought time to submit the details.

Justice Subhash B Adi, who heard the matter, wanted to know when will the charge sheet be filed and the State Government said that they still have 90 days time for it. The matter has been adjourned.

Judicial custody extended

Third JMFC Court in Shimoga has extended the judicial custody of former minister H Halappa who is accused of rape till June 8. It may be mentioned here that the Court on May 10 had remanded H Halappa to judicial custody for 15 days. As the accused failed to appear for hearing on Monday, Judge Srinivasa Gowda extended the judicial custody till June 8.

The Court has accepted the request of the prosecution to conduct the DNA test on the accused.  Ashok Bhat, counsel for H Halappa had submitted an application seeking time to challenge the Court’s order to allow DNA test in High Court. The Court which admitted the petition had suspended the execution of the order till May 24.

On Monday, Ashok Bhat sought further time from the JMFC Court to submit petition to the High Court against DNA test which was objected by public prosecutor. After hearing both the sides, Court has reserved an order in this regard on May 26.