Contractor's death: KS Eshwarappa announces resignation

BJP leader KS Eshwarappa on Thursday announced his resignation as the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister following the death of a contractor who had accused him of demanding a 40 percent commission for a contract.

Santosh Patil, a contractor was found dead in a lodge in Udupi on Tuesday with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide. He had clearly said that Eshwarappa is directly responsible for his death.

Following this, The opposition Congress in Karnataka demanded the arrest of K S Eshwarappa and his dismissal from the Cabinet.

However, Eshwarappa on Wednesday had said he did not know any Santhosh Patil and denied having any dealing with him. The minister also refuted allegations that he was involved in his death.