Karnataka: Congress MLA, His Son Booked For 'Abetting' Dalit Sub-Inspector’s 'Suicide'

While PSI's wife Shwetha, who is pregnant, was at her parents’ house in Raichur for her delivery, she learned that Parashuram had been hospitalised with bleeding from his nose and mouth.

Shwetha claimed that her husband faced pressure from the MLA and his son, who allegedly demanded Rs 30 lakh to allow him to retain his posting.

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A police case was registered on Saturday against Congress MLA Channareddy Tannur and his son Pampanagouda Tannur following the alleged suicide of Dalit sub-inspector Parashuram. Based on a complaint filed by Parashuram's wife, Shwetha N V, the charges against the duo include intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace, abetment of suicide, and joint criminal liability.

Shwetha claimed that her husband faced pressure from the MLA and his son, who allegedly demanded Rs 30 lakh to allow him to retain his posting. Parashuram, who had been transferred within seven months of his appointment, was emotionally distressed. Shwetha recounted that her husband had been in tears over the transfer and had expressed feelings of despair, saying he felt he should die, according to a report on PTI.

While Shwetha, who is pregnant, was at her parents’ house in Raichur for her delivery, she learned that Parashuram had been hospitalized with bleeding from his nose and mouth. Later, he passed away.

Reacting to the incident, Home Minister G Parameshwara announced a thorough investigation into the case. He, however, ruled out suicide, stating, "He (Parashuram) did not commit suicide. He had not written any death note. His wife has complained that she was suffering from the transfer issue. I will consider his allegation. Investigation will be done in that dimension." 

Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru that preliminary information was being collected for the investigation, as per the report.

The incident has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties BJP and JD(S) condemning the government for allegedly pushing sincere officers towards suicide. Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, speaking at the launch of the 'Mysuru Chalo' march in Bengaluru, questioned, "A police sub-inspector from your community has died by suicide. Why did he do that? His wife alleges that he took the extreme step because he failed to pay Rs 25 lakh as a bribe to the MLA."

Kumaraswamy criticized the government's handling of the situation, questioning whether this was how Home Minister Parameshwara intended to honor Dr. B R Ambedkar’s legacy. In response, Parameshwara stated that he adheres to the law, not to communal biases.