Santhosh Patil, a contractor belonging to Hindalaga in Belagavi, who levelled corruption charges against the Karnataka minister for rural development and panchayat raj KS Eshwarappa was found dead in a lodge room in Udupi on Tuesday.
In a purported suicide note in the form of a WhatsApp message, Patil blamed Eshwarappa for his death. He even appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bommai and former chief minister B S Yediyurappa to help his family.
Eshwarappa said he had no role in Patil’s death. “There is no need for me to resign,” he said, responding to Congress’ demand for his ouster.
Deceased Patil had levelled serious allegations against Eshwarappa of demanding a huge commission to clear his bills related to the 108 road works worth Rs 4 crore which he had accomplished under the supervision of the RDPR (Rural Development and Panchayat Raj) Department in Belagavi.
Patil’s wife blamed Eshwarappa for her husband’s death while stating that the minister was not fit to stay in his position.
Karnataka Police have booked a case under IPC Sections 34 (criminal act is done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) and 306 (abetment to suicide) against K.S. Eshwarappa, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.
The family members are demanding the arrest of Minister Eshwarappa and claiming that until he is arrested they would not receive the body.