Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee president and MLC K. Harish Kumar said on Friday that the State Government should hand over the investigation into the corruption charges and the abetment to suicide case against Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Talking to reporters, Mr. Kumar said that the State police cannot do a fair investigation into the alleged demand of 40% commission by Mr. Eshwarappa and his aides from the civil contractor, the late Santosh Patil, for clearing bills related to the development works in Hindalga Gram Panchayat of Belagavi district.
“The allegation of corruption should be probed by a High Court Judge or by the CBI. The CBI should investigate into the death of Mr. Patil (in a lodge in Udupi on April 12),” he said.
As the death of Mr. Patil is because of alleged negligence of Mr. Eshwarappa in clearing pending bills, Mr. Eshwarappa should pay compensation to Mr. Patil’s family members, he said.
All-India Congress Committee secretary Ivan D’Souza said as Mr. Patil had made allegation of corruption against Mr. Eshwarappa in his messages sent to his friends through WhatsApp, the Minister should be booked under provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act.
As there are chances of Mr. Eshwarappa erasing evidence related to the incident, the police should immediately arrest him., he said
The Dakshina Kannada District Congress will stage a protest near the Clock Tower in the city on Saturday at 2 p.m. “The protest will continue through out the district till our demands are met,” Mr. Kumar said.
Published - April 15, 2022 06:37 pm IST
