In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through Karnataka’s political landscape, a young contractor named Sachin (26) has reportedly taken his own life after alleging severe misconduct involving Raju Kapanur, a close aide to Minister Priyank Kharge. Sachin’s lifeless body was discovered on the railway tracks in Kattitungaon village, located in the Bhalki taluk of Bidar district. The tragedy was compounded by the revelation of a 7-page death note, wherein Sachin outlined serious accusations against Kapanur, igniting a firestorm of public and political backlash.
The death note contained alarming allegations, stating that Raju Kapanur—previously a corporator with the Kalaburagi Municipal Corporation—cheated Sachin out of over Rs 15 lakhs by promising him a tender that was never awarded. Furthermore, the note claimed that Kapanur had threatened Sachin with violence if he did not pay an additional sum of Rs 1 crore. This explosive accusation of intimidation marks yet another dark chapter in the ongoing narrative of contractor distress in Karnataka, which has seen a tragic pattern of suicides linked to corruption and extortion.
In the wake of Sachin’s death, his family has been left reeling in shock and grief, urgently demanding that law enforcement call in those named in the death note for questioning. As public outrage grows, the police have taken initial steps by sending Sachin’s body to BRIMS Hospital for autopsy. At the same time, a case has been officially registered with the Bidar Railway Police Station.
The death note implicates six individuals in total, including Kapanur and other local political figures, raising serious concerns about a broader culture of intimidation within the state’s political framework. Names such as former corporator Ravi Kapanur, Nandakumar Nagabhujange, and Gorakhnath were mentioned, all alleged to have conspired to threaten Sachin. The contractor’s penultimate words paint a grim picture—he allegedly took his own life under the unbearable pressure inflicted by these threats, in hopes of escaping an insufferable cycle of intimidation.
Minister Priyank Kharge has publicly responded to the allegations concerning his aide. In a statement to the media, he expressed his shock at the news and urged a thorough investigation into the matter. “I have just come to know about the situation. I demand transparency and accountability, whether it’s related to the Congress party or my close associate. An investigation will be conducted to uncover the truth. There will be no cover-up,” Kharge asserted, emphasising his commitment to comprehensively examining the allegations.
Despite Kharge’s call for an investigation, scepticism remains among the populace regarding the effectiveness of holding those in power accountable. Activists and opposition leaders are voicing concerns that, without substantial political will and independent oversight, the cycle of corruption and contractor suicides may continue unabated.
As the state mourns the loss of Sachin, many are left questioning the safety and dignity of those trying to make a living in an environment burdened by perceived governmental negligence and corruption. The demand for justice in this case will likely remain at the forefront of political discourse in Karnataka, prompting calls for systemic change to prevent further tragedies in the future.
The demise of Sachin underscores the critical need for transparency and integrity within government contracts and dealings, especially in the context of local governance where politicians hold significant power over contractors’ livelihoods. As investigations are expected to unfold, all eyes will be on the authorities to take decisive action to ensure justice is served and such tragic incidents are not repeated.
The opposition demanded the resignation of Kharge. This incident has ignited fierce criticism and calls for accountability from opposition parties, including the BJP and JDS.
State BJP chief spokesperson Ashwath Narayan severely condemned the Congress party in light of this incident. He stated that a concerning pattern emerges whenever Siddaramaiah takes power, one that is characterised by a spike in suicides among farmers and contractors alike. Narayan pointed out that Sachin, in his suicide note, explicitly named Priyank Kharge’s aide as the individual who had pressured him for money, which has further intensified the scrutiny on Kharge.
“Priyank Kharge has positioned himself as the moral compass of the state, yet he now faces allegations directly tied to a tragic and preventable death. His resignation is not only warranted but necessary,” Narayan emphasised. He demanded a thorough investigation into Sachin’s allegations, insisting that Kharge and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah step down to maintain credibility.
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also weighed in on the controversy during a press conference in Mandya, accusing the Congress-led government of ‘playing games’ with contractors’ livelihoods. “Instead of addressing the myriad challenges confronting our state, the Congress government continues to create anarchy while refusing to accept responsibility,” he declared. Kumaraswamy’s statements highlight a deepening frustration among opposition leaders regarding the Congress party’s handling of various administrative issues.
In Mangaluru, Legislative Council member N Ravikumar affirmed the gravity of the situation by revealing that Priyank Kharge’s aide, Raju Kapanur, demanded an eye-watering sum of Rs 1 crore from Sachin, which underscores the alleged corruption within the Congress ranks. “If Priyank Kharge wants to invoke the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, he must first resign and address these accusations. There is no ethical ground for him to mention Gandhi’s name while such serious allegations against him loom large,” Ravikumar stated sternly.
BJP president BY Vijayendra amplified the chorus of condemnation through social media, shedding light on the distressing pattern of harassment faced by contractors under the Congress regime. He highlighted recent incidents, including the suicide of SDA Rudresh, a Tahsildar’s office employee, allegedly due to similar harassment, illustrating a troubling environment of intimidation fostered by some ministers and their aides. “The tragic suicide of Sachin is a testament to the suffocating atmosphere created by the political aristocracy in the Congress government, particularly by those close to Priyank Kharge. The time for action is now; we demand Kharge’s immediate resignation,” Vijayendra insisted.
As the dust settles around this tragic incident, the BJP has called for immediate action. They demand that the government announce appropriate compensation for Sachin’s family, settle outstanding dues related to his contract work, and ensure that those responsible for this harrowing situation are held accountable and brought to justice.
The BJP and other opposition parties are rallying for accountability and transparency in the face of mounting evidence linking Congress leaders to a culture of corruption and intimidation. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated, as the outcry surrounding Sachin’s death grows louder in the halls of Karnataka’s political sphere.
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