Khandre announces relief for family of deceased contractor Sachin Panchal

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre visits family of deceased contractor, announces ₹10 lakh ex gratia payment, promises thorough investigation.

Amid a heated exchange of words between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP over the suicide of Bidar-based contractor Sachin Panchal, Minister for Forests and district in charge Eshwar Khandre visited the family of the deceased at Katti Tugaon village in Bhalki taluk of Bidar district on Sunday and announced an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh for the family.

“We are committed to helping the family in distress. Life is valuable and cannot be returned [once lost]. The government, in association with private entities [will help the family]. As a gesture of consolation, I would like to announce that we will give the family an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh. Investigation [into the case] will continue,” Mr. Khandre said after meeting the family.

Terming the suicide as a sorrowful and painful incident in which a young breadwinner of the family has lost his life, Mr. Khandre said his government would stand with the grieving family, sharing their pain and grief.

“I held a detailed discussion with Sachin Panchal’s family. When the family members sensed that Sachin was planning to end his life, they immediately lodged a missing complaint with the police but the police did not accept it. It is a serious issue. I have directed the Superintendent of Police to investigate the matter and act. I am told that action has been taken against some police personnel and an investigation is under way. Stringent action will be taken against all police personnel who were negligent in registering the complaint,” Mr. Khandre said.

On the progress of the investigation and the names mentioned in the death note of the contractor, Mr. Khandre said the railway police were investigating the case after registering the first information report.

“I have discussed the issue with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as well. In his death note, Sachin had mentioned some names accusing them of harassing and abetting him to commit suicide. Our government will get the case impartially investigated by the CID [Criminal Investigation Department] or any other agency and take legal action against the accused,” Mr. Khandre said.