FILE: Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda's son, Karthik (Press Trust of India photo)
Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda's son, Karthik, accused of "rape, kidnapping and cheating" by an actress, was today granted anticipatory bail by a court in Bangalore, which protects him from arrest. The allegations by the woman, who claims to be his wife, were made just after his engagement to another woman.
According to the complainant, Karthik had forcibly married, kidnapped and raped her. Police ordered Karthik to appear before them - he did not do so. A warrant was issued for his arrest, even as he approached a Bangalore court for anticipatory bail which was granted.
"There are many conditions - Rs two lakh bond, surety by two people... He is to appear before the IO (Investigating Officer) as soon as possible."
The case has forced the Railway Minister on the defensive - he is asked about the case wherever he goes. In Delhi, he told reporters that the law would take its own course.
One of the bail conditions requires Karthik to cooperate with the police in the investigation. The woman says she will move the High Court against his anticipatory bail.
"Police issued notice to Karthik Gowda to come and give explanation. He failed to do so. They took arrest warrant. Still he is absconding. We will raise that issue," Akarsh Kanade, the complainant's advocate told NDTV.
Karthik Gowda has denied the woman's allegations and alleged a conspiracy in Congress-ruled Karnataka to discredit his father and ruin his political career.
Mr Gowda, who is Railway Minister in the central government, has said, "Take action against my son if he has done anything wrong. I would say the allegations against him are false. He is my son, but if the allegations are true then action can be taken."