The kin of the deceased dismissed the claims and said Gautham was neither a contractor nor did he hold a licence to take up contract works.
Published Aug 11, 2023 | 3:24 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 11, 2023 | 3:42 PM
Deceased Gautham
A family in West Bengaluru came out of mourning to call out the BJP for “misusing” the death of one of its members for “political reasons”.
Gautham, 29, the youngest son of a Congress leader and a former BBMP corporator, was found dead in his house at Attiguppe near Chandra Layout in West Bengaluru on the afternoon of Thursday, 10 August.
As the news of the death spread, the BJP projected the youth as a contractor, who was forced to die by suicide after he was asked for a bribe of 15 percent to clear the amount that was due to him.
Former BJP MLA CT Ravi accused Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of demanding the 15 percent cut to clear Gautham’s dues.
BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal also went on record saying that the government had rolled out atmahatya bhagya — the lucky opportunity to commit suicide — a parody of the Congress’ poll guarantees the government has been implementing.
In a police complaint, Gautham’s father, K Doddanna, said the youngest of his three children had been suffering from depression. He had not shared his grief with anyone. The older man refuted the BJP’s charges.
According to Gautham’s family, he left home after lunch on Wednesday, 9 August, and returned by evening. It was the last time they saw him alive.
The man closeted himself in his room, and when he did not respond to repeated knocks on the door and phone calls, the relatives forced open the door and found him unresponsive on Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Laxman B Nimbargi said the Chandra Layout police have registered a case of unnatural death and were investigating. A senior Chandra Layout police officer told South First that Gautham was not a contractor.
Preliminary investigation revealed that he was not working anywhere but was taking care of his father’s poultry business, the officer added.
Immediately after Gautham’s death was confirmed, the BJP launched a broadside against the Siddramaiah-led government. The Opposition party said the deceased was a contractor, who was pushed over the brink by mounting dues and demands for bribes by the Congress.
“Siddaramaiah’s new scheme for Karnataka Citizens — “Atmahatya Bhagya” Contractor Gautam Committed suicide in Bengaluru. Contractors had met the Governor and accused “Brother” of demanding a 15% bribe for the bill payment. Siddaramaiah and his government are busy collecting funds for Loksabha Elections. Karnataka has turned out to be an ATM for Congress High Command,” MLA Yatnal tweeted.
Siddaramaiah’s new scheme for Karnataka Citizens -“Atmahatya Bhagya”
Contractor Gautam Committed suicide in Bengaluru.
Contractors had met Governor and accused “Brother” of demanding a 15% bribe for the bill payment.
Siddaramaiah and his government is busy collecting funds… pic.twitter.com/GF3BjsHtuK
— Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) (@BasanagoudaBJP) August 10, 2023
While making a similar charge, Ravi alleged that Shivakumar demanded a 15 percent commission from contractors.
“The CONgress government in Karnataka has come up with “Suicide Bhagya” for Contractors. BBMP contractor Shri Gautam has committed suicide after facing delays in getting his payment for the work executed by him. Recently, BBMP contractors had accused the State’s Deputy Chief Minister of demanding 15% commission to clear pending payments. Corrupt CONgress is not only ruining Suvarna Karnataka but also taking lives in the process,” he tweeted.
The CONgress government in Karnataka has come up with “Suicide Bhagya” for Contractors.
BBMP contractor Shri Gautam has committed suicide after facing delays in getting his payment for the work executed by him.
Recently, BBMP contractors had accused the State’s Deputy Chief… pic.twitter.com/A1E56kBggf
— C T Ravi 🇮🇳 ಸಿ ಟಿ ರವಿ (@CTRavi_BJP) August 10, 2023
Speaking to reporters, Gautham’s brother said the deceased was neither a contractor nor did he hold a licence to take up projects.
“He was the youngest, and we were looking for a bride for him. He was taking care of our father’s poultry farm and had nothing to do with any contract work. They are misusing Gautham’s death for political reasons,” he said.
