Police sources said the minister was named an accused earlier, and his aides Basavaraj, Ramesh and others were also booked under sections 306 along with 34 of the IPC. The complaint was filed in the early hours by the elder brother of the deceased Prashant Patil. of Wednesday.
The family reached late Tuesday night after the contractor was found dead in room number 207 of Shambhavi Lodge. After the death, the Udupi Police is completing various formalities. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team from Mangaluru is also present.
It may be recalled that the contractor had accused Minister Eshwarappa and his associate of demanding 40 per cent commission for clearing the bills for various works done by them. Patil had also claimed that he had met the minister 80 times but to no avail.
Truth will come out through investigation: CM Basavaraj Bommai
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said he would speak to Eshwarappa after reaching Bengaluru.
“I will speak to him (Eswarappa) over phone and then personally to get clarity on the issue and take further decisions. Senior party leaders are aware of the developments and I have also briefed them about it. ” Bommai told reporters on Wednesday.
He said that the truth will come out from the investigation into the death of Belagavi-based contractor Santosh K Patil in Udupi. The background of the incident will also be probed.
Reiterating that the government would not interfere in the investigation process, the Chief Minister said, “An impartial inquiry will be conducted. An inquiry will be conducted as per law.”
An FIR has been registered against Eshwarappa and others in Udupi.
There is no question of my resignation: KS Eshwarappa
Eshwarappa said, “Death note is false propaganda. I have informed CM Bommai and party president that there is no question of me resigning as minister.”
(with inputs from ANI)