Khandre announces help for the family of deceased performer Sachin Panchal

On Sunday, district minister-in-charge Eshwar Khandre met the family members of deceased contractor Sachin Panchal at Katti Tugaon village in Bhalki Taluk in Bidar district. | Photo source: SPECIAL LAYOUT

Amid heated exchange of words between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP over the suicide of Bidar contractor Sachin Panchal, Forest Minister and district in-charge Eshwar Khandre visited the family of the deceased at Katti Tugaon village in Bhalki Taluk of Bidar district on Sunday and announced ex gratia payment to families ₹ 10 lakh.

“We want to help a family in a difficult situation. Life is precious and cannot be returned (once lost). The government in cooperation with private entities (will help the family). As a gesture of consolation, I would like to announce that we will pay an ex-gratia amount of ₹ 10 lakh to the family. The investigation (into the case) will continue,” Khandre said after meeting the family.

Calling the suicide a sad and painful event in which a young breadwinner lost his life, Khandre said his government would stand by the family’s bereavement and share their pain and sorrow.

“I had a detailed conversation with Sachin Panchal’s family. When the family members sensed that Sachin was planning to take his own life, they immediately filed a missing person’s report with the police, but the police did not take it. This is a serious problem. I have instructed the Police Commander to investigate this matter and take action. I was told that action had been taken against some police officers and that an investigation was ongoing. Strict action will be taken against all police personnel found negligent in registering a complaint,” Khandre said.

Referring to the progress of the investigation and the names mentioned in the contractor’s death certificate, Khandre said the railway police were investigating the matter after registering the first information report.

“I also discussed the issue with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In his death note, Sachin mentioned several names, accusing them of harassment and abetting suicide. Our government will ensure that the case is investigated impartially by the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) or any other agency and take legal action against the accused,” Khandre said.