Karnataka: Minister Priyank Kharge’s close aide Raju Kapanur  booked in young contractor’s suicide case

Kalaburagi: In a significant development, an FIR has been lodged against Raju Kapanur, a close aide of Minister Priyank Kharge, along with his associates, following the disturbing suicide of contractor Sachin in Bidar. This action by the Station Bazaar police comes after mounting pressure from BJP leaders, who have accused Kapanur and his gang of conspiring against them.

The situation escalated on Saturday when BJP activists staged a protest outside the Station Bazaar police station, alleging that their complaints were being ignored. Tempers flared, leading to a heated exchange between the police and BJP supporters. It was only after the BJP leaders brought the matter to the attention of the court that the police finally registered the FIR, naming six individuals, including Raju Kapanur, Raju Nandakumar, and Nagabhujange, under Section 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

BJP leaders are now calling for a high-level investigation into Sachin’s tragic suicide, which has raised serious questions regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Chalavadi Narayana Swamy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, has gone so far as to demand the immediate removal of Minister Priyank Kharge from his cabinet post and insists that he should be arrested in connection with the growing allegations.

Background Of The Case 

The controversy stems from the distressing suicide of contractor Sachin, who took his own life by jumping in front of a train after leaving behind a seven-page death note.  The death note alleged  that the deceased paid rs 15 lakhs to ministers aide to get a road contract but the accused demanded rupees one crore additional instead of getting him contract. The note alleges that Kapanooru pressured Sachin for an additional Rs 1 crore and threatened him with violence

Raju Kapanur, the principal accused, is no stranger to legal troubles. He was previously arrested for possessing a country-made pistol and 30 bullets, further implicating him amid the rising tensions surrounding Sachin’s suicide. Kapanur’s connections to Minister Priyank Kharge have drawn even more scrutiny, raising concerns about potential political motivations and the safety of BJP members in the region.

The BJP’s allegations have created an explosive atmosphere, suggesting that there may be deeper political machinations at play. With the police now involved and political leaders making grave accusations against a sitting minister, this incident is set to dominate the headlines in the coming days, as demands for accountability and justice grow louder. The political fallout from this case could have significant repercussions for both the Congress party and Minister Priyank Kharge, as the BJP intensifies its campaign for a thorough investigation into the unsettling circumstances surrounding contractor Sachin’s death.

 BJP demands resignation of Kharge

Following the tragic suicide of contractor Sachin Panchal, BJP Bidar district president Somanath Patil has launched a fierce attack on the Congress government, claiming that law and order in the state has completely deteriorated. He stated that the current administration, under the leadership of Minister Priyank Kharge, has guaranteed not only five welfare programs but also a guarantee of suicide for contractors.

In a media response to the suicide case linked to Priyank Kharge’s aide, Patil highlighted several incidents during the Congress government’s tenure that raised serious concerns. He pointed to the Valmiki scandal, which was allegedly swept under the rug, and the recent suicides of contractors in Davanagere and Laxmi Hebbalkar, who he claimed acted due to pressure from Congress ministers and their aides. Patil’s remarks reflected growing frustration among BJP leaders regarding what they perceive as a systematic failure of the Congress government to address rising fears and threats against contractors.

 Calls for Resignation and Investigation

In light of the troubling events, BJP leader C.T. Ravi echoed similar sentiments, demanding the resignation of Minister Priyank Kharge. He alleged that since the Congress party took power, corruption has seeped deeply into the administration, with ministers and departmental officials engaging in bribery and extortion from contractors. The suicide note left by Sachin, which purportedly named those involved in the conspiracy against him, has fueled these accusations.

Ravi criticised the government for being silent in the wake of such serious allegations. He questioned why Priyank Kharge and local MLA Khandre had not made any public statements regarding the incidents or the ongoing investigations. Furthermore, he expressed concerns about the police’s handling of the case, noting that no Zero FIR had been filed, and only two officers had been suspended in what he deems a much larger issue of corruption and negligence.

 Erosion of Trust in Law Enforcement

Ravi sharply criticised the state police, branding them as puppets of the government, insisting that law and justice are no longer priorities for the administration. He stated that arrests seem to be motivated by political influence rather than legal grounds, further eroding public trust in law enforcement. The BJP leaders highlighted that the general populace is losing faith in the police force due to the apparent collusion among officials, calling for accountability and a thorough investigation into the suicide and its underlying causes.

In an emotive appeal, they demanded that if Priyank Kharge possesses any respect for morality or constitutional principles, he should resign immediately. They also called for a high-level inquiry into the conduct of the police and the broader implications of the revelations surrounding Sachin’s death, arguing that the state’s reputation and the safety of its contractors are at stake.

 Two policemen suspended  

In a development related to the suicide case of young contractor Sachin Panchal, two police officers from Gandhi Ganj, Bidar, have been suspended. Bidar District Superintendent of Police Pradeep Gunti has issued orders for the suspension of a female head constable, Sharmila, and a male head constable, Rajesh, due to allegations of dereliction of duty.

Sachin had posted a death note on social media prior to his suicide, which raised alarms among his family members. Concerned for his safety, they rushed to the Gandhi Ganj police station in Bidar to alert the authorities about the note. However, by the time the police were notified, Sachin had already gone missing. His siblings had pleaded with the police to initiate a search, but reports indicate that the officers were negligent in registering their complaint. In light of these serious oversights, the two officers have been suspended.

According to Superintendent Gunti, had the police acted promptly and accepted the family’s complaint, there might have been a chance to save Sachin. By tracking his mobile location, he could possibly have been found. However, the officers reportedly failed to take any action and exhibited negligence in the matter.

This incident has triggered condemnation from the JD(S) and BJP accused Minister Priyank Kharge, calling for accountability and demanding an investigation into the allegations. The situation continues to develop as more details emerge regarding both the suicide and the political ramifications surrounding it.