Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa “Responsible for My Death”: Santosh K Patil Last Message

Santosh K Patil, a right-wing leader and contractor, who accused Karnataka minister KS Eshwarappa of demanding a commission for road construction in Belagavi’s Hidalgo village, was found dead in a lodge in Udupi district on Tuesday, police said.

Santosh K Patil on March 11 shot off a letter to union rural development and panchayat raj (RDPR) minister Giriraj Singh, accusing Eshwarappa and his associates of demanding money for road works to the tune of Rs 4 crore. “The death is confirmed,” said a police official from Udupi, also confirming that the victim is Patil.

 The body was found today but the official sought time to divulge more details as the police were still carrying out preliminary investigations. Santosh Patil reportedly sent messages to the media and his friends early this morning, saying that he was going to end his life and alleged that Mr Eshwarappa was responsible for his death.

In his purported suicide note, Mr Patil urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and senior BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa to help his wife and kids after his death.

Rural development and panchayat raj minister KS Eshwarappa is solely responsible for my death. I am taking this decision, keeping my aspirations aside. I request with folded hands to our prime minister, chief minister, our beloved lingayat leader BSY and everybody else to extend a helping hand to my wife and kids,” he wrote.

His friends were staying in a room next to his, the police said, adding that the incident was being probed. Reacting to Mr Patil’s death, Mr Eshwarappa said he learned about his suicide through media and reiterated that he did not know him.

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He turned down the demand of the opposition Congress seeking his resignation over the contractor’s death. “There is no question of resigning. We have to wait for the verdict of the court in the case I had filed against Santosh Patil. I make it very clear that I am not at fault anywhere,” Mr Eshwarappa said.