A case of rape was registered against the son of railway minister DV Sadananda Gowda on a complaint by a woman who claimed that she is married to him, even as his engagement ceremony took place on Wednesday.

A model, who has acted in a Kannada film as a heroine, claimed she is married to the minister's son, who got engaged to another woman at a ceremony at Kushalnagar in Kodagu District on Thursday.

"She has filed a complaint in RT Nagar police station against Karthik Gowda, Sadananda Gowda's son, for allegedly raping and cheating her," Bangalore Police Commissioner M N Reddi said.

The case has been booked against Karthik under sections 376 (punishment for rape) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, Reddi said.

The actress spoke to the media from Coorg in Karnataka and is yet to arrive in Bangalore, while the Gowda family has so far remained tightlipped. Gowda himself however has claimed this was a conspiracy to tarnish his name and blackmail his family.

The model claims that she and Karthik know each other from May 8, 2014 and became very close friends. Now, the model wants Gowda to accept her their daughter-in-law.

Speaking to media she said, “my family was looking for a groom and on June 5, 2014 Karthik married me. I request them to accept me as their daughter-in-law.

Karthik, she claimed, had also told her that he would convince her parents, she said. "How can he (Karthik) get engaged to another girl when he is already married to me," she said.

Later, she also alleged that Karthik Gowda had called her to his Mangalore house, and tied mangalsutra on her neck and then forced her.

She said, I will file case if they don’t accept me, I don’t want any other woman to suffer this. Nobody contacted me from his (Karthik's) family. Sources are trying to talk to my sister saying I shouldn’t contact media.”

“I can’t take any one else as my husband, Karthik Gowda is my husband” she added.

Gowda expressed shock at the allegation and suspected a conspiracy and attempt to blackmail, while his son Karthik rejected the woman's claim.

Sadananda Gowda told reporters in Kushalnagar that he was 'shocked' and 'hurt' at the allegations levelled by her. "My life is an open book. I will not lie or cheat public. I am shocked by this kind of blackmail."

"I will speak to my son. I have to think if a girl has to blackmail, if Sadananda Gowda becomes a scapegoat", he said.

Reacting to the woman's claims, Karthik said, "There is nothing like that. My father is a respectable man. why should I spoil it."

Police are yet to verify her claims as the medical tests have not been carried on either the model who claimed they had physical relations too or Gowda's son (Karthik).

Politicians react on the issue

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah: Law takes its own course, what is the point of me saying anything when I don't know the details

Mamta Sharma, former NCW Chairperson: An inquiry must be conducted and the government must take cognizance of the issue.

Shazia Ilmi, former AAP leader: Probe must be conducted and it shouldn't be colored in anyway because he is Railway Minister's son

BJP leader Shaina NC: BJP has no reaction on this, its a personal matter

Congress leader R Sampath: Railway Minister must step down and the girl should get justice.

Congress protest against Karthik Gowda and his father Sadananda Gowda (Rail Minister)

Bangalore: Congress protest against Karthik Gowda and his father Sadananda Gowda (Rail Minister) pic.twitter.com/ihtkx40IJp — ANI (@ANI_news) August 28, 2014

With inputs from agency