Kharge Calls for Fair Investigation in Contractor's Suicide as Karnataka BJP Protests Statewide

Bengaluru, Jan 4 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka initiated a statewide demonstration on Saturday, urging the resignation of Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge, following claims that his aide was implicated as an accomplice in the suicide note of contractor Sachin Panchal. In response, Minister Kharge criticized the BJP, asserting that it is the government's duty to perform a thorough investigation and deliver justice to the bereaved family.

The BJP is also vigorously calling for the transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The party is preparing to stage a blockade at Minister Kharge's residence in his hometown of Kalaburagi.

Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, is spearheading the protest rally, which plans to proceed from Jagath Circle to Kharge's home.

In a counter-move, Congress party members are gathering outside Minister Kharge's residence.

The Congress supporters have prepared tea and tender coconuts to offer to the BJP leaders and activists arriving at their leader's home.

Meanwhile, law enforcement has implemented strict security measures in Kalaburagi, with reports indicating that the BJP’s rally will not be permitted to reach Minister Kharge's residence.

BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra is leading protests in Shivamogga.

Reacting to these developments, Kharge criticized BJP leaders in Bengaluru, stating, “I have spoken to the family of the deceased contractor Sachin Panchal. It is the government's duty to conduct a thorough investigation and provide justice to that family.”

“The BJP is particularly keen on a CBI investigation. Why haven’t they referred the Bitcoin case, Ganga Kalyan scam, or PSI scam to the CBI? Investigations initiated by the Congress-led government have confirmed that we were right,” he remarked.

“Let the preliminary investigation take place in Sachin’s case. The CBI has made it clear to the BJP government that due to resource shortages, they cannot take on miscellaneous cases. We cannot take directives from the BJP regarding our actions,” he added.

Kharge further stated, “BJP’s B.S. Yediyurappa is facing a POCSO case, BJP MLA N. Munirathna Naidu has been implicated in abusing Dalit and Vokkaliga women, and BJP MLC C.T. Ravi is involved in a derogatory remarks case against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.”

Kharge questioned the BJP’s values, asking, “BJP leader Ashoka claims they will leave religion and culture for the next generation. Is this your culture? Is sexually harassing minor boys part of your culture? Is committing atrocities on Dalits your culture?”

Minister Kharge strongly criticized Vijayendra, stating, “One must be cautious with their words before commenting on us. We do not engage in ‘supari’ politics in Kalaburagi. We cannot follow the BJP’s script. For the BJP, every death is a time for celebration.”

“Merely calling your father revered does not make him so. Yediyurappa is accused in a POCSO case. The family of the deceased Sachin is under pressure. It is inappropriate to politicize this case. Respect does not give anyone the liberty to speak without restraint. We adhere to the principles of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar,” Minister Kharge cautioned Vijayendra.

In the meantime, progressive thinkers are demonstrating in Mandya in support of Minister Kharge against the BJP's targeting.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has continued its inquiry into the family of the late Sachin for a second consecutive day. Reports indicate that they will record statements from family members on Saturday.

The CID officials are expected to conduct a mahajar at the crime scene and are preparing to issue a notice to Raju Kapanur, a close aide of Minister Kharge, for questioning. Sachin included Kapanur's name in his suicide note.

Sachin, a 26-year-old contractor from Kalaburagi, reportedly took his life after enduring threats and extortion from Raju Kapanuru. His seven-page suicide note accused Kapanuru of various atrocities.