New Delhi:
A Belagavi-based contractor, Santosh Patil, who shot to the limelight after accusing Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister K S Eshwarappa of corruption, allegedly died by suicide on Tuesday. Preliminary investigations suggested that the contractor took his life in a lodge close to the main bus stand in Udupi. The police said the death was due to consumption of a poisonous substance.
Karnataka Congress leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah demanded Eshwarappa’s resignation and alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai failed to take action against his Cabinet colleague.
Speaking on the same, Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai said the contractor’s death will be thoroughly investigated, adding that the government would not interfere in the matter.
“Body found in Udupi in lodge. Police have reached the spot. Preliminary investigation is being done. Forensic department is also at the spot. Action will be taken after preliminary information is given. The background of the death will be completely investigated. From our side there’ll be no interference,” said Bommai.
A few weeks ago, Patil had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he had invested Rs 4 crore in building roads in his village based on oral instructions of Eshwarappa. He accused the Minister of lies, corruption, and irregularities, and urged PM Modi to direct Eshwarappa to settle his bills. However, Eshwarappa has denied the allegations and retaliated by filing a defamation case against Patil for levelling baseless charges.
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