Karnataka Home minister G Parameshwara.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: The state government has ordered a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the suicide of Bidar-based contractor Sachin Panchal, who had alleged life threats and extortion by IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge's aide.
Announcing this to reporters on Monday, Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "After discussions with the chief minister, we handed over the case to the CID for further investigation and to ensure that the truth comes out. Action will be initiated based on the investigation report."
Backing Priyank, the home minister said there is no need for the minister to resign. "The Opposition is unnecessarily dragging his name into the case and demanding his resignation," he stated.
Rejecting the BJP's demand for a CBI probe, Parameshwar said, "CID is capable and competent enough to investigate the case and we cannot hand over every single case to the CBI. Moreover, the Opposition is making unnecessary accusations against the minister when his name was not mentioned in the suicide note. Every demand of the BJP cannot be considered."
He further stated that even the department officials have confirmed that there is no mention of Priyank's name in the suicide note. "The note just said one minister and there is no mention of any particular minister. The Opposition is trying to tarnish the government's image," Parameshwar added.
A few hours after the home minister's statement, Priyank released a letter written by him to the chief minister seeking a CID inquiry. "The suicide incident of Sachin Panchal reported from Bhalki in Bidar is very unfortunate and sad. As there are several suspicious issues being discussed in public about the case and to bring out the truth, I request you to hand over the investigation to CID," reads the letter, which he had written on December 27.
The contractor Sachin (26) died by suicide on Thursday leaving behind a seven-page suicide note alleging threats to his life and extortion by an aide of Priyank Kharge and former member of Kalaburagi City Corporation Raju Kapanuru.
Following the incident, the BJP demanded Priyank's resignation and a CBI inquiry into the case.