Bidar: In a demonstration of solidarity and outrage, a delegation of BJP leaders, led by party state president BY Vijayendra, visited the home of deceased young contractor Sachin Manappa Panchal on the evening of December 29. The visit was marked by poignant moments as family members struggled to cope with the loss, which the BJP leaders attributed to systemic failures of the Congress government.
Upon entering Sachin’s residence, Vijayendra performed a ritual of condolence by garlanding Sachin’s portrait, offering words of solace to the grieving family. “We stand with you,” he declared, emphasizing the party’s commitment to justice for Sachin. Tensions escalated when the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, attempted to offer cash compensation to the family in a sealed envelope, which Sachin’s sisters outright declined, insisting their needs were not monetary but instead sought justice.
Call for CBI Investigation and Resignation of Minister
In a press conference following the visit, Vijayendra escalated his accusations against the ruling party, claiming that the investigation into Sachin’s suicide must be handed over to the CBI. He highlighted the necessity for the state government to provide ₹1 crore in compensation to Sachin’s family and a government job to one family member. Vijayendra stated emphatically, “What happened to Sachin is not a mere suicide; it is a systematic murder by the government.”
Asserting the need for accountability, Vijayendra called for the immediate dismissal of Minister Priyank Kharge, labeling him as directly responsible for the circumstances surrounding Sachin’s death. “We refuse to allow any state agency to conduct the investigation; only the CBI can ensure that justice is served without undue influence from Kharge or his associates,” he emphasized.
Concerns for Family’s Safety
The tensions surrounding the case have left Sachin’s family fearful for their safety. Allegations were made that Kharge’s influence could lead to intimidation of the family, with Vijayendra claiming, “No one should allow Priyank Kharge to step foot in Kalaburagi; if he is allowed to gain power here, he may eliminate any opposition.” This alarming rhetoric underscores the heightened anxiety within the family and community regarding their safety.
Attending the meeting were key members of the BJP, including Legislative Council members N. Ravikumar and M.G. Mule, along with several MLAs and district leaders, who rallied behind the demand for a thorough investigation.
Allegations Against Priyank Kharge
BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy did not hold back either, stating pointedly that if Kharge resigns, it could pave the way for change of the Chief Minister’s position. He described Priyank Kharge as “Supari Kharge,” alluding to alleged connections to criminality and suggesting he has become a figure involved in nefarious dealings. Narayanaswamy claimed that Sachin had left a death note on social media prior to his suicide—an act that supposedly reflected his desperation given the lack of protection from the police despite repeated requests from his sisters.
The family’s frustration extended to the police as well, with allegations of severe negligence. Reports indicated that despite Sachin’s sisters going to a police station to report their brother missing and to seek protection, the authorities had dismissed their concerns. The BJP leaders echoed these grievances, asserting, “Sachin’s death is a result of police negligence. They ignored their pleas, putting him in harm’s way.”
Continuing the Fight for Justice
B.Y. Vijayendra has vowed that the BJP will not rest until justice is served, declaring that the party will continue to push for a CBI investigation. “If the Congress government in the state has any respect, they should honor the family’s wish and initiate a CBI inquiry into what led to this tragic loss,” he said firmly.
As the BJP continues to mount pressure on the Congress government, the call for accountability will likely resonate beyond Bidar, reflecting broader concerns about governance, police conduct, and the plight of contractors and laborers across the state. With more allegations surfacing and the community rallying behind the Panchal family, the narrative of this tragic event appears poised to challenge the current administration significantly.
Opposition leader R Ashok demanded resignation of Kharge
In the wake of the tragic suicide of contractor Sachin Panchal, opposition leader R. Ashok has levied serious accusations against Minister Priyank Kharge, suggesting that Kharge’s close associates played a significant role in the events leading up to Panchal’s death. Ashok has called for Kharge to resign, asserting that it is a matter of moral responsibility.
Allegations Against Priyank Kharge
In a press release, Ashok stated, “Priyank Kharge, who preaches ethics to the village, should first resign to display his moral values. It is evident that his associates played a role in Sachin’s death. Therefore, he must step down immediately.” He argued that the Kharge family should also adhere to the principles laid out in the Ambedkar Constitution.
Ashok recalled that when contractor Santosh committed suicide previously, there were loud calls for the resignation of then-Minister Eshwarappa. He stated, “Now it is Priyank Kharge’s turn to resign. Sachin Panchal left a death note mentioning Raj Kapanoor before taking his life by throwing himself in front of a train. Allegations of extortion and threats of murder have been made.”
Claims from the Death Note
According to Ashok, the death note written by Panchal prior to his suicide was uploaded to social media, prompting the family to urgently request police assistance from the Gandhi Ganj police station in Bidar. However, he criticised the police for their lack of action in filing a complaint.
He elaborated that the death note implicated Raj Kapanoor, a close associate of Priyank Kharge, as having extorted over 15 lakh rupees without awarding the contract. Furthermore, it claimed that Kapanoor had pressured Panchal for an additional 1 crore while also issuing threats. Ashok indicated that the note listed six individuals, including former corporator Ravi Kapanoor and others, as having threatened Panchal’s life.
Concerns Over Associations
Ashok expressed deep concern over Kharge’s relationship with individuals like Raj Kapanoor, who has been previously arrested on charges of possessing illegal firearms. “Despite knowing all this, Minister Priyank Kharge has not distanced himself from such associates. If such goons are close to the minister, it indicates that our state is being governed by thugs and goons,” Ashok concluded with a note of indignation.
MP Jagadish Shettar Blames Corruption for Contractor’s Suicide
In a scathing attack on the Congress-led state government, MP Jagadish Shettar has alleged that the tragic suicide of a contractor was a direct result of harassment by supporters of Minister Priyank Kharge. He asserted that the entire administrative system of the state is in disarray, with rampant corruption leaving ordinary citizens suffering.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Shettar stated, “The contractor left a death note, indicating that he took this extreme step due to pressure from Priyank Kharge’s close assistant. The note also mentioned intimidation from several legislators. Despite this, the police have been hesitant to file a case, highlighting the chaos we are witnessing in the state.”
Shettar drew parallels to a similar incident in Belagavi, where a government employee allegedly took his life due to pressure from the assistant of Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. “This incident is reflective of a disturbing trend, with key suspects in such cases remaining unarrested and investigations yet to be completed,” he noted, emphasizing the increasing number of such incidents in the state.
Political Climate Under Suspicion
The MP also cast doubt on the integrity of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s administration, claiming that the recent ‘Muda’ scam has led to a spike in vindictive politics. “After the exposure of the scam, there has been a targeted effort to frame BJP leaders, with cases being filed against them while special investigation teams are being formed to exert pressure,” he alleged.
The mood among opposition leaders is one of growing frustration as they call for accountability and justice for those affected by what they term an increasingly corrupt regime. Shettar’s comments underline a mounting concern within the BJP ranks about the state of governance and the safety of citizens amid allegations of misconduct by elected representatives.
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