Political turmoil in Karnataka after contractor ends life, blaming minister

Santosh Patil, a contractor from Karnataka’s Belagavi, who had accused Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister K S Eshwarappa of corruption recently, allegedly died by suicide at a lodge in Udupi on Tuesday.

According to multiple reports, before he took the extreme death, Patil allegedly sent messages to the media, saying that he was going to end his life because of Eshwarappa.

Patil had earlier alleged that Eshwarappa demanded 40 per cent commission in public works sanctioned to him.

After Patil went missing on Monday, the police tracked his call records and found him in the lodge. The minister had not only dismissed his allegations, but also filed a defamation suit against him.

In a death note which is said to be written by him, Patil blamed Eshwarappa for his death. He wrote that he had decided to “set aside his dreams and end his life”.

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In the note, Patil, who was also a BJP worker, had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Chief Minister Bommai and former chief minister BS Yediyurappa to help his wife and children.

The Udupi police have registered a case of unnatural death and investigation is on in this case.

It is a murder, say Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar

Reacting to the developments, Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah said, “Bommai as a CM has failed to take any action against his minister KS Eshwarappa, who should be dismissed from the cabinet. Eshwarappa is responsible for Patil’s death; he must be arrested. Entire state knows that Eshwarappa is a corrupt man.”

Calling it a murder, Congress leader DK Shivakumar said that an FIR against Eshwarappa must be filed. “Eshwarappa must be arrested under IPC Section 302,” he said.

Thorough and transparent investigation will be conducted: Bommai

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the police will conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into Patil’s death. He also ruled out any resignations in this regard.

“One thing I want to make clear is that this case will be thoroughly investigated. There will not be any interference or direction from our side. Police will independently investigate the case and truth will come out,” Bommai said addressing a press conference.

“We have given direction to the police to probe the matter systematically such as forensic science, spot inspection, inquiry and everything should be in accordance with the law. It will be an honest and transparent investigation,” Bommai said.

To a query on opposition Congress party’s demand for resignation over the death, Bommai said, “A police officer had committed suicide in the past when Siddaramaiah was the Chief Minister. I want to ask you, did Siddaramaiah resign?”

Regarding the purported WhatsApp message, Bommai said that it will also be part of the investigation.

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Bommai said that Eshwarappa had told him during the Assembly session that he had filed a defamation suit against the contractor and a notice had been sent to him. He also said that a case has also been registered against a media house in connection to this.

“Eshwarappa has rejected the charge and has filed a defamation suit as well. All these will be part of investigation,” Bommai said.

“Every life is valuable. However, the investigation will reveal why Patil took the extreme step,” Bommai added.

(With inputs from Agencies)