BENGALURU: The Congress government in Karnataka handed over to the CID on Monday a probe into the suicide of Sachin Panchala, a contractor who died last week after leaving a note alleging threats from a key aide of the minister. Priyank Kharge. Priyank is the son of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
The decision came amid intensifying demands by the BJP opposition for a CBI probe and the resignation of Priyank, who two days ago had called for an “impartial” CID probe. Bidar resident Panchala died on December 26 and his note allegedly named Raju Kapanur, Priyank’s confidant.
However, state Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday claimed that the police had confirmed that Priyank was not mentioned in the death note. He accused his rivals of dragging Priyank’s name into the case to tarnish the government. “Let’s see what the investigation reveals. There is no need for Priyank to resign. They (BJP) are unnecessarily mentioning his name and demanding his resignation,” he said.
On the BJP’s demand for a CBI probe, he said not all cases could be handed over to the central agency, and emphasized that the CID was capable of investigating the matter. “We will not listen to everything the BJP says. We will consider positive advice and suggestions, but we will not consider political motives,” Parameshwara said.