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- Karnataka Minister Eshwarappa Civil Contractor Suicide Case; will not resign
Bangalore2 minutes ago
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Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa has made it clear that he will not resign under pressure from the opposition. In the case of the death of a government contractor in a hotel in Udupi on Tuesday, the opposition is demanding his resignation by continuously accusing him. Apart from the minister, two of his associates have also been booked for abetment to suicide.
After the registration of the case, Eshwarappa vehemently denied the allegations against himself and said – Deathnote found on WhatsApp cannot be considered as evidence. Anyone can type it after death. Santosh Patil wanted payment for his work without rules. I want to ask Congress, did you release payment without work order while in power.
If they are asking for my resignation, I will not give my resignation. Let me tell you, from the mobile of 37-year-old contractor Santosh Patil, he had sent WhatsApp messages to friends-relatives and others, in which the minister was blamed for his death.
Accused of demanding 40 percent commission
Santosh Patil had accused the minister’s aides of demanding 40 per cent commission for passing a bill of Rs 4 crore for the work of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. In a WhatsApp message, he wrote – Minister KS Eshwarappa is fully responsible for my death. I am taking this decision keeping my aspirations aside.
Congress had demanded arrest
Congress leader DK Shivakumar had said – this is not suicide, it is murder. If BJP is ashamed, they should immediately take the minister’s resignation and get him arrested. Santosh Patil died due to corruption. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also demanded his arrest. He also demanded the dismissal of Eshwarappa from the cabinet.
CM assures fair investigation
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said – Police will investigate the death of the contractor in an impartial manner. The contractor had accused a Karnataka government minister of demanding 40 per cent commission for a public work. Bommai has also rejected the opposition’s demand to resign from the post of Chief Minister in this regard.