Contractor’s Suicide Sparks Political Row; Fresh FIR Filed Against Minister’s Associate

www.mangaloretoday.com

Kalaburagi, Dec 29, 2024: A fresh First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by the Station Bazar police in Kalaburagi in connection with the suicide of Sachin, a contractor from Bidar, allegedly harassed by associates of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge.

Sachin died by suicide on Thursday, December 26, reportedly after receiving threats to his life and being pressured for money by Raju Kapnoor, a former Congress corporator and a close associate of Kharge. In a seven-page suicide note, Sachin alleged that harassment by Kapnoor forced him to take the extreme step.

Following protests by BJP workers, the Station Bazar police registered the FIR on Saturday, December 28, naming Raju Kapnoor and others. Earlier, the Bidar Railway Police had filed a case against Kapnoor and others based on a complaint by Sachin’s sister, Savita.

Reacting to the allegations, Minister Priyank Kharge addressed the media at his Bengaluru residence on December 28. Denying any involvement, he stated, “There are two versions of the incident. Let there be a free and fair probe. Neither I, my department, nor the government is involved in this matter.” Kharge added that he had requested the Home Minister to constitute an independent authority to investigate the case.

The BJP, however, has demanded Kharge’s arrest, alleging his indirect role in the incident. Responding to the demand, Kharge questioned the BJP’s understanding of the law. “Am I an accused? On what basis are they asking for my arrest? This is purely a political vendetta,” he said.

Kharge further alleged that BJP leaders, including former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, MLA N. Munirathna, and MLC C.T. Ravi, were facing cases and accused the BJP of targeting him due to his ideological stance.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, accused Kharge of misusing his power and demanded his resignation and arrest. He also alleged that the Kharge family was running a “republic” in Kalaburagi, adding fuel to the ongoing political storm.

The incident has triggered a political showdown in Karnataka, with the BJP intensifying its demands for accountability while the Congress defends its minister. Investigations into the case are ongoing.