Contractor Death Case: KS Eshwarappa to resign from State Cabinet today says, CM Basavaraj Bommai

• Image Credit: Internet

• Apr 18, 2022 | Dhupali Das

The deceased contractor had claimed that the minister and his close aides demanded a 40 percent fee for completing civic work in Hindalga village, Belagavi, in 2021, just before a community festival.

Digital Desk: Karnataka chief minister Basavaraj Bommai announced on Friday that State Minister KS Eshwarappa, who is accused of abetment of suicide case of contractor and BJP worker Santosh K Patil has decided to retire on his own and will submit his resignation this evening.

"State Minister KS Eshwarappa has decided to quit on his own and would present his resignation today evening. There is no need for the opposition to become an investigation officer or judge because all would be revealed after the investigation." chief minister Basavaraj Bommai stated at a press conference. 

On Wednesday, Eshwarappa was arrested in connection with the death of civil contractor Santosh K Patil, who was discovered dead in a hotel in Udupi.

Meanwhile, speaking about the resignation, Eshwarappa said, "I decided to retire because I didn't want to put individuals who helped me get to this position in an unpleasant situation, such as senior party members, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, and our national leaders," 

Notably, Eshwarappa had previously resisted calls for his resignation over the matter, claiming that he was not at fault.

The deceased contractor had claimed that the minister and his close aides demanded a 40 percent fee for completing civic work in Hindalga village, Belagavi, in 2021, just before a community festival.

Meanwhile, Patil's death has sparked a massive political uproar, with the opposition Congress demanding Patil's resignation or expulsion from the Cabinet.