Case Against Karnataka Minister, Suicide Message Said "He's Responsible"

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Mr Eshwarappa’s two associates,Basavaraj and Ramesh, have also been named in the FIR.

Bengaluru:

Karnataka minister KS Eshwarappa has been named in a police case in connection with the suicide of a contractor, who was found dead in a lodge in Udupi yesterday after accusing him of corruption, officials said.

The First Information Report or FIR accuses the minister of driving contractor Santosh Patil to suicide.

Mr Eshwarappa’s two associates, Basavaraj and Ramesh, have also been named in the FIR, which was filed based on a complaint filed by Santosh Patil’s brother Prashant.

Mr Patil had accused the minister’s associates of demanding a 40 per cent commission in the ₹ 4 crore work he had carried out in Rural Development and Panchayat Raj department.

In his purported suicide note, he alleged that Mr Eshwarappa was responsible for his death.

“RDPR minister KS Eshwarappa is solely responsible for my death. I am taking this decision, keeping my aspirations aside. I request with folded hands to our prime minister, chief minister, our beloved lingayat leader BSY and everybody else to extend a helping hand to my wife and kids,” he wrote.

Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said he has gathered all information about the case and will speak to the minister about his resignation.

He said he will speak to him regarding his resignation. “I don’t know what he said about resignation. It will be cleared when we speak directly,” news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

Mr Bommai yesterday said that he has directed the police to ensure a speedy and transparent investigation into the death of the contractor.

Meanwhile, Mr Eshwarappa last evening reiterated that he did not know the contractor and turned down the demand of the opposition Congress seeking his resignation over his death.