Karnataka: PSI Parashurama’s mysterious death sparks outrage; family demands arrest before home minister’s visit

It has been five days since the death of PSI Parashurama under mysterious circumstances, and the truth behind his passing remains elusive. While his grieving family conducted the Tithi (third-day ritual) on August 6, emotions were running high as they continued to seek answers. The Home Minister is scheduled to visit Parashurama’s native village on August 7. Still, the family members and local BJP leaders have made it clear—they don’t want him to come unless the accused are arrested.

PSI Parashurama, who was serving in Yadagiri, died under suspicious circumstances five days ago. On August 6, his family held a tithi (post-death rituals of the third day )ceremony in their native village of Somanala, located in Karatagi taluk, Koppal district. The pain was palpable as the family carried out the religious rituals, still grappling with the loss.

Adding to the tension, the Leader of the Opposition in the Vidhan Parishad, Chhalavadi Narayanaswamy, attended the tithi ceremony. He later met with the grieving family, offering his condolences and presenting Parashurama’s wife with a cheque for one month’s salary. During his visit, Narayanaswamy expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the case, criticising the delay in arresting the accused. He specifically accused AICC President and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of shielding a local MLA, Channa Reddy Patil, and his son, Pampana Gowda, who are allegedly involved in the case. Narayanaswamy demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.

The investigation into Parashurama’s death is currently being handled by the CID, with various parts of his body sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis. The CID awaits the FSL report, but the lack of arrests has enraged the family and community. As Home Minister G Parameshwara prepares to visit the family on August 7, there are growing calls for the accused to be apprehended before his arrival.

The family and BJP leaders are also pushing for the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to ensure an impartial inquiry. With the case taking on a political dimension, the next steps remain uncertain, and it is unclear what direction this investigation will take in the coming days.

The tragic death of PSI Parashurama has sparked significant public outcry, and the pressure is mounting on authorities to bring those responsible to justice.