BJP calls for judicial probe into Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation official’s suicide

BENGALURU: The BJP on Thursday called for a judicial investigation into the alleged suicide of an official of the Maharshi Valmiki Schedule Tribe Development Corporation Ltd at his Shivamogga residence last Sunday.

Former BJP national secretary and senior leader   CT Ravi, targeted the ruling Congress government in the state over the alleged suicide incident, holding Schedule Tribal Welfare Minister B Nagendra responsible and demanding his resignation.

“They (the state government) are trying to hide the issue. Funds for the development of SC, ST, and OBC communities were transferred to fake accounts. Minister Nagendra is behind all of that. We will protest and demand his resignation. The matter should be investigated under judiciary leadership”, C T Ravi said on Thursday.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On the death of an officer of Maharishi Valmiki Corporation, BJP leader CT Ravi says, “They (state government) are trying to hide the issue. The funds for the development of SC, ST and OBC were transferred to fake accounts. Karnataka Minister… pic.twitter.com/xSaq1QWCVV

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2024

Chandrasekaran (45), a resident of the Kenchappa Colony in Vinoba Nagar in Shivamogga, allegedly died by suicide on May 26. Chandrasekaran was a superintendent with the MVDC and was posted at its Bengaluru office. In a six-page suicide note recovered by police, Chandrasekaran mentioned the names of three officials and alleged corruption worth crores in the corporation, demanding action against the named officials.

A case has been registered in this regard at the Vinoba Nagar police station. On Wednesday, a team from the Crime Investigation Department (CID) inspected Chandrasekaran’s residence. The team found the deceased official’s bag, which included a pen drive and laptop, among other items.

The matter has led to political outrage, with the BJP attacking the state government. Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that an investigation is under way and that everything will be known after the probe. Regarding the BJP’s demand to sack Minister Nagendra, Parameshwara said that a decision would be made after checking the authenticity of the death note.

Earlier in the day, Primary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa visited the deceased MVDC officer’s residence and assured support for his family.

“I visited Chandrasekaran’s residence as per the instructions of the Chief Minister. The government has said that it will provide whatever kind of help is needed, and it will ensure justice. I will provide any required cooperation from the government, and I will do whatever work is necessary from my side,” Bangarappa told reporters after visiting the family.

“Such an incident should not happen. The investigation is going on. Let the investigation be completed, and those who have done wrong should be punished”, he added. (ANI)