Wife of deceased entrepreneur writes to Governor of Karnataka, says accused minister influenced investigation

In a letter, Santosh’s wife, Jayashree Santosh Patil, said she was surprised by statements from Eshwarappa who said he would come out clean in 15 days. “While the investigation is still ongoing, how can the Minister confidently say that he will emerge innocent? Are the police investigating at the request of KS Eshwarappa. I would ask for your intervention,” she said in the letter to Gehlot.

On April 12, Patil’s body was found in a lodge in Udupi. Prior to his death, Patil, who was also a BJP worker and Hindu activist, had sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging that KS Eshwarappa and his men were demanding a 40% commission to settle bills for works he had. carried out. . After Patil’s death, succumbing to the pressure, Eshwarappa resigned from his post.

He recently said he would be cleared of all charges in 15 days. Eshwarappa, who was convicted of inciting suicide, was the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj when the incident took place. In the letter, Patil wrote that he had carried out 108 civil works in the Hindalga area and that the bills had not been paid because the minister and his associates were demanding a 40% commission.

In the letter, Jayashree said, “Details of the investigations are being leaked and shared with the Minister and there are suspicions that the investigation is being conducted to favor KS Eshwarappa. His recent statements on this subject have raised suspicions in the investigation. I ask you (Governor) to order the police to investigate without yielding to any pressure.