Mangalore City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath.
Credit: DH File Photo
Mangaluru: Mangalore City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath has demanded a CBI investigation, including the resignation of Minister Priyank Kharge, into the suicide of a civil contractor from Bidar district.
Bidar-based contractor Sachin Panchal, had alleged life threats and extortion by IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge's aide before ending his life by suicide.
Since the Congress government came to power in the state, contractors have been facing severe distress and financial difficulties. Influential Congress leaders' associates have been harassing and threatening them, leading to a suffocating environment where many have resorted to suicide, he told mediapersons in Mangaluru.
Sachin, the contractor, wrote a seven-page death note and posted it on social media, detailing the betrayal and torture by Priyank Kharge's associates. Kamath emphasised the seriousness of these allegations and insisted that Priyank Kharge should immediately resign on moral grounds.
Minister Priyank Kharge, however, has refused to resign, indirectly warning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against asking for his resignation. He has also pressured his government to limit the investigation to the CID, dismissing the need for any other inquiry.
The MLA questioned Siddaramaiah's courage to demand Kharge's resignation, recalling how he had previously obtained the resignation of Minister B Nagendra in the Valmiki Corporation scandal.
When BJP was in power, Congress leaders, including Siddaramaiah and Priyank Kharge, had vocally demanded resignations of K S Eshwarappa when the contractor had ended his life. He said the BJP will fight the case and ensure that the family of the contractor gets justice.
“We are demanding a CBI probe into the incident to get justice. If Kharge is proven innocent, he can aspire to any position, including Deputy Chief Minister or Chief Minister. The government must immediately pay the pending dues for the works carried out by contractor Sachin and announce appropriate compensation for his family, provide a government job to a family member, and ensure punishment for those responsible for his death”
Negligence of govt machinery
Meanwhile, Mangalore City North MLA Dr Y Bharath Shetty accused the negligence of government machinery in the suicide of contractor Sachin Panchal
“FIRs are easily registered against BJP workers and opposition leaders. However, when the opposition files complaints against ruling party members, FIRs are not registered. Why is this so?” he asked.
Speaking to the mediapersons in Kavoor, he alleged that the state government does not respect the law. He further criticised the government as a 100 percent commission government.
“Sachin's death occurred due to harassment. There should be a judicial inquiry into the death. Priyanka Kharge should first resign for an impartial investigation. Until Priyank Kharge resigns and justice is ensured to Sachin's family, the BJP will continue its protest across the state,” said Dr Bharath Shetty.