Shivamogga: In a big relief to BJP leader Harathalu Halappa, the 2nd Additional District Court acquitted the former Minister of rape charges. The BJP leader had been facing the charge for the past seven-and-a-half years.

Halappa, was accused of raping his friend Venkateshmurthy’s wife on Nov. 26, 2009 following which a Police complaint was registered on May 2010.

Announcing the verdict, Judge B.G. Rama said that the prosecution had failed to provide enough evidence against Halappa and he had no choice but to give the former Minister a clean chit.

However, the judge allowed the complainant to appeal in the High Court. As soon as the verdict was announced, Halappa’s supporters started celebrations and distributed sweets. The BJP leader visited various temples across the city before leaving to Bengaluru to meet State BJP President B.S. Yeddyurappa.