Belagavi : Belagavi Contractor Santosh Patil’s suicide must be considered as a murder, as he was threatended by minister KS Eshwarappa’s supporters after he made known the world about the latter’s commission deal, Congress said.

Speaking to news persons after consoling to Santosh’s death to his kins at their house at Samarth nagar in Hindalaga on Wednesday, KPCC president DK Shivakumar, former CM Siddaramaiah said Santosh’s wife Jayashree and mother directly alleging that the mental harassment from Eshwarappa supporters was caused for his suicide. Its nothing but a murder, the government must deal the matter when it do for others.

Eshwarappa must be framed murder charges and be arrested over the case, he said.

35-year-old Santosh hailed from a poor family and did the works as per the oral order of Eshwarappa. He has completed 108 works worth Rs 4 crore. However, Eshwarappa demanded his share of 40% of the total cost as his commission which comes to Rs 1.60 crore. Santosh who completed the works by borrowing loan and also pledging gold ornaments of his wife was hrlpless when he was asked for commission.

Siddaramaiah said government must give Rs 1 crore as immediate competition to Santosh’s family, a suitable job for his wife.

Shivakumar said the state Congress will give compensation of Rs 11 lakh and a job to Jayashree who can pull her family until government provide her a permanent job.