Karnataka BJP minister Eshwarappa, aides booked in contractor's suicide case

An FIR has been filed against Karnataka BJP minister Eshwarappa in the suicide case of contractor Santosh Patil.

Karnataka minister KS Eshwarappa and his aides Basavaraj and Ramesh have been booked in the suicide case of contractor Santosh Patil. An FIR has also been filed against the minister in connection with the case.

Eshwarappa and his aides have been booked for abetment of suicide. The case was registered in Udipi on the complaint of Patil's brother Prashanth.

Contractor Santhosh Patil, who had accused Karnataka minister KS Eshwarappa of corruption, was found dead in a lodge in Udupi on Tuesday. Prashant Patil, brother of Santhosh Patil, has blamed Eshwarappa for his brother's demise.

Prashant Patil said, "Eshwarappa is responsible for my brother's death. He sought a bribe or commission [from contractor Santhosh Patil]. He then filed a defamation case. Patil had received threats too."

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Before his death, Santhosh Patil allegedly sent a WhatsApp message to his friends stating his intention to take his life, and blaming Eshwarappa for the extreme step.

According to police, Santosh told his wife he was going on a picnic with his friends and left Belgaum on April 11. Following this, he went missing.