Contractor dies by suicide, alleges Minister Priyank Kharge’s aide responsible

Vartha Bharati | 26-12-2024 | 21:18:00 IST

Karnataka Information Technology Minister Priyank Kharge

Bidar (Karnataka), Dec 26: A 26-year-old contractor allegedly died by suicide by lying in front of a train in Bidar on Thursday, police said.

Sachin Panchal, a native of Tungadakatti in Bhalki Taluk of Bidar, had taken a contract in the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.

In a suicide note, he alleged that former councillor Raju Kapanur and seven others were responsible for his death.

Kapanur is reportedly a close aide of Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge.

Reacting to the incident, Kharge said, "I have just learned about it through the media. I am personally demanding an inquiry. We will ensure that the truth comes out. Whether my supporters or anyone else is involved, as this is the concerned department, nothing will be hidden." He said, "Wrong is wrong. No matter who it is. I will have it investigated by my department, and if necessary, I will request the Home Minister to look into it." When asked whether his close associate was involved, he stated that he did not have complete information.

"Whether it is my close associate or a Congress supporter, the law is equal for all, and the Constitution is equal for all. Whatever the case, we will take action," he added.

Later, the minister’s office shared a video statement from Kapanur in their WhatsApp group.

Kapanur stated that Panchal had approached him, claiming he had completed his BTech and was looking to secure contracts. He added that Panchal said he had a licence and was capable of taking up work.

"I told him that since we did not have the licence, we couldn’t apply for tenders. He assured me he would handle it. The first tender was related to the airport. We deposited Rs 65 lakh into his account and Rs 15 lakh in cash," Kapanur said.

"Panchal continued to mislead us for six months, saying he would apply for the tender. When we inquired in Bengaluru, we discovered that everything was fake," he added.

Kapanur mentioned that he had lodged a police complaint against Panchal.

The BJP has demanded the resignation of Priyank Kharge.

In a post on 'X', BJP state president B Y Vijayendra said, "It seems that some ministers in the Congress government have given General Power of Attorney (GPA) to their right-hand men and close aides." Recalling incidents where people died by suicide due to torture by the close aides of ministers, Vijayendra alleged, "The Congress government is making unfortunate families orphans." Claiming that Kharge was responsible for the death, the BJP leader stated, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should immediately ask Kharge to resign."

ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲವು ಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ಬಲಗೈ ಬಂಟರು ಹಾಗೂ ಆಪ್ತ ಸಹಾಯಕರಿಗೆ ಜನರಲ್ ಪವರ್ ಆಫ್ ಅಟಾರ್ನಿ (GPA) ನೀಡಿದಂತಿದೆ. ಇತ್ತೀಚೆಗಷ್ಟೇ ಸಚಿವೆ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ಹೆಬ್ಬಾಳ್ಕರ್ ಅವರ ಆಪ್ತಸಹಾಯಕನ ಕಿರುಕುಳಕ್ಕೆ ತಹಸೀಲ್ದಾರ್ ಕಚೇರಿಯ ಎಸ್‌ಡಿಎ ರುದ್ರೇಶ್ ಆತ್ಮಹತ್ಯೆ, ಇದರ ಬೆನ್ನಲ್ಲೇ ವಿಧಾನ ಮಂಡಲದ ಸುವರ್ಣ ಸೌಧಕ್ಕೆ ನುಗ್ಗಿ… pic.twitter.com/H2rE4PI94l
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) December 26, 2024

Get all the latest, breaking news from Karnataka in a single click. CLICK HERE to get all the latest news from Karnataka.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.

Comments

comments powered by Disqus.

Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan

19-02-2026 ¦ 19-02-2026 IST

Rashid Khan | PTI

Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.

Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.

However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.

"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.

The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.

"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.

With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.

"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."

Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.

"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.

"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."