Bengaluru Crime: Karnataka Govt Handovers Contractor Death Case To CID

The Karnataka government has transferred the investigation into contractor Sachin Panchal's suicide to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). This decision follows demands from the opposition BJP for IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge's resignation. Panchal, who died by suicide on December 26, left a note allegedly mentioning Raju Kapanur, an associate of Kharge. However, Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that Kharge's name was not in the note.

Kharge had previously requested an independent inquiry into Panchal's death. The BJP has been vocal about their demand for Kharge to step down, claiming his involvement in the incident. Parameshwara dismissed these claims as attempts to damage the government's reputation. He emphasised that police investigations confirmed Kharge's name was absent from the death note.

Government Stance on Investigation

Parameshwara defended the decision to assign the case to CID instead of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as suggested by BJP. "The CID is capable of investigating this case," he said. He added that not every case warrants CBI involvement and stressed that political motives would not influence their decisions.

The minister also addressed BJP's insistence on Kharge's resignation, stating it was unnecessary. "There is no need for Priyank to resign," Parameshwara remarked, accusing BJP of unnecessarily dragging Kharge's name into the controversy.

Political Reactions and Statements

Kharge had earlier written to Parameshwara seeking an independent probe into Panchal's death. His office released this letter publicly, highlighting his call for transparency in the investigation process. The state government remains firm in its stance against yielding to political pressure from opposition parties.

The situation continues to unfold as both parties stand their ground. The government maintains confidence in CID's ability to conduct a thorough investigation without bias or external influence.