Yadgir: The death of Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Parashuram has ignited serious allegations against Yadgir MLA Channareddy Tunnur and his son, Pampanagouda Sunny Gouda.
Parashuram, who was recently transferred from Yadgir Town Police Station, died under mysterious circumstances on August 2, leading to a storm of controversy and public outcry.
Parashuram's wife has filed a complaint based on which case has been registered at Yadgir Town Police Station under BNS sections 108 (Abatement of suicide) and 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and also sections under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) against the MLA and his son.
According to the complaint filed by Parashuram's wife, Shwetha, her husband had been distressed over his sudden transfer, just seven months into his tenure at the Yadgir Town Police Station. She alleged that her husband had told her that MLA Channareddy and his son demanded a bribe of Rs 30 lakh to halt the transfer, a sum Parashuram could not afford. Shwetha claimed that Parashuram had been humiliated by the duo, who allegedly used derogatory language and casteist slurs against him when he went to meet them requesting to halt the transfer.
She stated that after attending his farewell at the station, PSI Parashuram returned home. He once again shared with his family how the MLA and his son had treated him unfairly by transferring him prematurely and expressed his distress over not being able to pay the Rs 30 lakh they allegedly demanded. He reportedly told them he was deeply unhappy with his life and even mentioned feeling like dying.
Shwetha, his wife, mentioned that despite her attempts to console him, he remained troubled. Since she was pregnant, she was staying at her mother's house in Raichur, while Parashuram was with his father in Yadgir. Parashuram had informed his wife that he planned to report to duty at the CEN station, where he was transferred.
On August 2 evening, Shwetha received a call from her father-in-law, informing her that Parashuram was admitted to hospital. When she arrived, she learned that he had passed away, with bleeding from his nose. Her father-in-law explained that Parashuram had gone to sleep after lunch, and when he tried to wake him in the evening, he found him bleeding. Parashuram was immediately rushed to the hospital.
Shwetha alleged that her husband was transferred before the completion of his term and that the MLA and his son had demanded Rs 30 lakh to stop the transfer, while also verbally abusing and shaming him. She claimed that these actions led to the depression and death of Parashuram and called for action against the MLA and his son, whom she holds responsible for her husband's death.
An FIR has been registered under BNS sections 108 (Abatement of suicide) and 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and also sections under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act at Yadgir Town Police Station based on Shwetha's complaint, naming MLA Channareddy and his son as the accused.
Police officials said that the reason for the death is yet to be known as the report is awaited.
The incident has prompted a strong reaction from political leaders. Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashok, who has demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident has asked for the resignation of the MLA.
"In the Valmiki Development Corporation corruption scandal, the Congress government in Karnataka was responsible for the death of an honest Dalit officer, Chandrashekaran. Now, another Dalit officer, Yadgir PSI Parashuram, has lost his life after a bribe was allegedly demanded for his transfer," he posted on X.
He further questioned, "When the Chief Minister and ministers are involved in corruption, will the MLAs remain silent?"
Referring to the complaint filed by PSI Parashuram's wife against the MLA and his son, he added, "In this corrupt Congress government, honest and efficient officers have no place. I strongly urge CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar to immediately demand the resignation of MLA Channareddy and hand over this case to the CBI for investigation."
