From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Apr 13: Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani visited the home of the contractor from Hindalga in Belgavi district on Wednesday, who had committed suicide in a lodge in Udupi and had accused Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister KS Eshwarappa as being responsible for ending his life by demanding 40% commission as kickbacks, and consoled the deceased person’s widow and family members.
Speaking to media persons in Belagavi after meeting the family members of Santhosh Patil, BJP activist and National Secretary of Hindu Vahini, Minister Nirani appealed to the people and opposition parties not to bring politics in the suicide episode.
"This incident should not have happened. But it is unfortunate that it happened. The reason (for the suicide) and truth will be known only after the complete investigation," he said.
Nirani pointed out that the police have already registered a case and filed an FIR. "If I speak anything on this issue now, it will be wrong on my part. The government had ordered a free, fair and comprehensive investigation into the matter. The truth will be known only after the investigation report,’’ he said.
The minister made it clear that the State Government will not interfere in the case and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has given a free hand to the police to investigate the case. Home Minister Araga Jnanedra has also spoken on the issue.
Nirani attacked the opposition Congress party for levelling allegations that the contractor has committed suicide because of Minister Eshwarappa’s demand for 40% Commission and termed the allegation as "baseless and far from truth.’’
"There are prescribed procedures and norms in awards contracts and issuing tenders. The tenders have to be advertised and work orders have to be issued after acceptance of the tenders," he said feigned ignorance on how Santhosh Patil executed 108 works worth Rs 4 crore.
The opposition Congress party, which had ruled the State, must know the procedures in awarding contracts and the norms. "The behaviour of the Congress party on the issue is shameful," Nirani said.
The Industries Minister said Congress party has not right to level allegations linking the suicide to the commission charge and wanted to know what proof does the Congress party has for levelling the allegations.
"All are equal in the eyes of law and nobody is above the law or courts," he said pointing out that the government has no role to play in the suicide.
Nirani said: "The deceased has small children. The conditions of the bereaved family is pathetic. The government will offer whatever assistance needed for the family on humanitarian considerations."
"We will not abandon the bereaved family and do whatever is possible to help it out of humanitarian considerations,’’ he said and declared: ``There should be no doubt about it."
Asked whether the government will offer a job to Ms Jayashree, widow of the contractor, the minister said: ``I will discuss the issue with the Chief Minister and a decision will be taken to ensure justice.’’
The minister was accompanied by former MLC Mahantesh Kamatagaimath while visiting the bereaved family members, deceased contractor’s wife Jayashree and mother Parvathamma.