Mon Dec 30 14:46:50 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Minister Denies Involvement in Contractor’s Suicide, Challenges BJP to Provide Evidence

**Bengaluru, [Date]** – Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has vehemently denied all allegations leveled against him by the BJP in connection with the suicide of contractor Sachin Panchal. The BJP claims Panchal’s eight-page suicide note implicates Raju Kapanur, allegedly a close associate of Kharge. The note also alleges a conspiracy to murder a BJP MLA.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Kharge dismissed the allegations as “delusional,” pointing to inconsistencies in the note, particularly the separate final page detailing the alleged murder conspiracy. He emphasized his support for a thorough investigation and awaits the forensic science laboratory (FSL) report on the document’s authenticity.

While acknowledging that the note names several individuals, including one connected to his party, Kharge stated that this doesn’t equate to guilt. He contrasted this with the BJP’s response, accusing them of engaging in “hit-and-run politics” without presenting concrete evidence. He challenged the BJP to prove any wrongdoing on his or the government’s part.

Kharge also highlighted that unlike a previous contractor suicide during the BJP’s tenure, which directly implicated ministers, Panchal’s note makes no such claims against him. He further dismissed the BJP’s demand for a CBI investigation, citing instances where CBI investigations under Congress governments confirmed state police findings. He characterized the BJP’s call for a CBI probe as a smokescreen to distract from internal party issues.

Panchal’s note alleges that Kapanur demanded a bribe of ₹1 crore, receiving ₹15 lakh. It further accuses Congress leaders of plotting the deaths of several individuals, including Siddalinga Swami of Andola Math, and BJP leaders Manikanth Rathod and Chandu Patil. The minister has categorically denied knowing Panchal or having any connection with Kapanur beyond the allegations in the note.

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