Shimoga, May 12 (DHNS) : Former minister H Halappa, accused of sexual assault, will be shifted to Victoria Hospital in Bangalore for treatment.
Halappa was admitted to McGann Hospital here on Sunday as he complained of uneasiness while being taken to prison. According to doctors at the Hospital, the condition of former minister was stable on Tuesday. However, they are in no mood to take risk as he is suffering from multiple organ diseases - metabolic disorder, diabetes allergic bronchitis, hypertension, postural vertigo and hypothyroidism - the conditions that can damage blood vessels and disrupt the functioning of heart.
After an emergency meeting in the evening, medical experts from McGann Hospital and Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences decided to seek second opinion on Halappa’s health from experts. After evaluating his condition on Wednesday morning Halappa will be shifted to Victoria Hospital in Bangalore.
Medical Officer Dr Virupakshi, who is monitoring the former minister’s health, said some symptoms of ‘potential risk’ were noticed during the tests conducted on Tuesday morning. “The mental stress may further aggravate his condition. The Hospital is not equipped to handle such a situation,” he said.
Private complaint
Sumitra, the first wife of financier Venkatesha Murthy filed a private complaint against the latter in the second JMFC court on Tuesday. The complainant has alleged that Venkatesha Murthy had married Chandravati without her (Sumitra’s) knowledge.
Sumitra has said that she came to know of Venkatesha Murthy’s second marriage only when he appeared on the media with Chandravati. She has alleged that Murthy cheated her and has violated the sanctity of the marriage. The Magistrate posted the hearing on the complaint to June 8. Speaking to mediapersons later, Sumitra said that she had consented for an amicable settlement with Venkatesha Murthy who had deserted her, at a Lok Adalat held in Tirthahalli in 2007.
HC seeks objections on bail plea
The High Court on Tuesday directed the State Government to file objections on the maintainability of the bail application moved by Halappa.
Halappa has been charged under Sections 376, 341, 342 and 506 of the IPC. He had filed an anticipatory bail plea before the Additional District and Sessions Judge in Shimoga, but appeared before the CID on May 9.
Counsel for Halappa said that since the Shimoga court was on vacation, it went to the Chief Judicial Magistrate in charge who had been transferred to Kundapur. The person appointed in his place was also transferred, and hence they had approached the High Court directly. The counsel argued that the petitioner was innocent and had not committed any offence as alleged in the complaint. Questioning the delay of five months in lodging the complaint, the counsel termed it as an outcome of political vendetta. Justice Pinto directed the government to file objections on maintainability of the petition and adjourned the matter to May 13.