Basavaraj Bommai said that the matter will be thoroughly investigated.
Mangaluru:
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday said the police will conduct a complete and transparent probe into the death of a contractor who accused a Karnataka minister of demanding 40 per cent commission for a public work.
He also denied any resignation in this regard.
Addressing a press conference here, Bommai said, “One thing I want to make clear that this matter will be thoroughly investigated. There will be no interference or direction from our side. Police will independently investigate the matter and the truth will come out.” Will come.” ,
Belagavi’s Santosh Patil was found dead in his room at a hotel in Udupi. He had earlier accused Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa of demanding 40 per cent commission on the works done by him. The minister not only denied his allegations but also filed a defamation suit against him.
In his alleged WhatsApp message, Patil held the minister responsible for his death.
The Chief Minister said that action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
“We have directed the police to investigate the matter in a systematic manner like forensic science, spot inspection, interrogation and everything should be done as per law. It will be an honest and transparent investigation,” Bommai said.
Asked about the demand for resignation by the opposition Congress party over the death, Mr Bommai said, “A police officer had committed suicide in the past when Siddaramaiah was the chief minister. I want to ask you, did Siddaramaiah resign.” ” Regarding the purported WhatsApp message claimed to have been sent by Santosh Patil, Mr Bommai said that this would also be part of the investigation.
Responding to a question, Mr Bommai said Mr Eshwarappa had told him during the assembly session that he had filed a defamation suit against the contractor and a notice had been sent to him.
Also, a case has been registered against a media house.
“Eshwarappa has denied the allegation and has also filed a defamation suit. All these will be part of the investigation,” Bommai said.
Condoling the death, the Chief Minister said that every life is valuable. However, investigation will reveal why Patil took such a drastic step.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)