India minister quits over sexual assault claims

A minister in the government of India's southern Karnataka state has resigned after the wife of a friend accused him of sexual assault.

Mr Halappa has denied the charge (Photo: BK Ramesh)

Haratal Halappa, food and civil supplies minister in the state's BJP government, denies the charge. He says he is being framed by political rivals.

A Karnataka police official said his arrest was imminent.

Correspondents say the incident has embarrassed the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) government.

Mr Halappa claims some of his own party leaders are among those who want to frame him.

He says he resigned to save the government from embarrassment and vowed to clear his reputation if there was a "proper inquiry."

The woman, who lodged a complaint against the minister, said the incident took place last November. She said she and her husband were threatened by the minister - unless they kept the incident secret

"He tried to have sex with me by force. I resisted ...When my husband returned home, he saw me trying. He could not control his anger and beat him. I beat him up too," she said.

She said she was "scared" for her life if the government did not give her protection.

The state's opposition parties have demanded Mr Halappa's immediate arrest.