Priyank Kharge favours independent probe into Bidar contractor's 'suicide', rejects BJP's demand

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday said he is in favour of an independent and free probe by an agency under the state's Home Department into the alleged suicide of a contractor in Bidar earlier this week. The contractor left behind a seven-page note in which he made allegations against a person, said to be his associate. Accusing the BJP of politicising the issue, as it has sought his removal from the ministry and his arrest in connection with the case, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister clarified that neither he, nor his department, nor the government is involved in any way.

"While the contractor is suggesting one thing, the accused have also made complaints regarding another aspect of the entire incident. I'm very clear in saying that there should be an independent and free probe. I have personally requested the Home Minister for an independent investigative agency within the Home Department to investigate the matter," Kharge said. Speaking to reporters, he said that it is quite natural for the BJP to believe they have found something against him in the case, and pointed out that the party has been trying to get his resignation on frivolous grounds for a year. "I'm making it clear that neither I, nor my department, nor the government is involved in all these activities," he added. Sachin Monappa Panchal, a 26-yearold contractor, ended his life by falling under a train on Thursday, leaving behind a suicide note alleging that Raju Kapanur, a close associate of Kharge, had issued death threats demanding Rs 1 crore for awarding a contract.

The note also mentioned the names of seven others who were accused of cheating by not awarding him a contract, despite taking a Rs 15 lakh bribe. The contractor alleged that they threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the Rs 1 crore. Hitting out at Kharge and the Congress government over the case, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Saturday demanded that Kharge be removed from his ministerial post and arrested immediately. He also called for Kharge to fully cooperate with the investigation, warning that BJP leaders and workers would launch a fierce agitation if he did not. Responding to a question about the BJP's demand for his arrest, Kharge questioned "On what grounds?" and claimed the opposition party doesn't understand the law. "BJP does not understand the law. Am I an accused? Eight people have been named as accused. Does the BJP know what the law of the land is? On what basis are they asking for my arrest? Is my name there for abetment to suicide? These people (BJP) just want to do politics. Their intention is very clear—they want to hide their internal problems," he said.

Claiming that Priyank Kharge has become BJP leaders' "favourite dish on their menu," and hence they repeatedly target him, the Minister said it is because of his strong ideological stance, which goes against the BJP's political agenda. "So it is quite natural that they always blame me.