Bengaluru: An FIR has been registered against Rural Development Minister KS Eshwarappa over the death of contractor Santosh Patil, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai told reporters on Wednesday. 

Bommai, who is under pressure from the opposition party Congress to demand resignation from KS Eshwarappa, said "Yes,  FIR registered (against KS Eshwarappa over the death of contractor Santosh Patil). I have gathered all info...I will speak with Eshwarappa. I don't know what he (Eshwarappa) said (about resignation). It will be cleared when we speak directly..."

Prashant Patil, deceased contractor Santosh Patil's brother, said "Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa, Basavaraja and Ramesh (Eshwarappa's close aides) must be arrested; we want justice for our brother. Everybody whose  names are mentioned in FIR must be arrested, till then we'll not take my brother's body". 

A contractor, who was also a worker of the ruling BJP, allegedly died by suicide at a hotel in Udupi on Tuesday. The deceased, identified as Santosh Patil, has left a death note in a WhatsApp message holding Rural Development Minister KS Eshwarappa responsible for his death. 

According to reports, Santosh Patil had addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi blaming corruption in the government. He had written to PM Modi alleging that RDPR Minister KS Eeshwarappa was harassing him for a 40 per cent commission for clearing his bills which were pending for a year. Patil had alleged that Eshwarappa was demanding a bribe to clear his contract bills.

Refusing to resign to the cabinet, the  K.S.Eshwarappa said that he ‘doesn’t know’ about Santosh Patil.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru soon after the suicide news flashed in electronic media, Mr. Eshwarappa said that he never met Santosh Patil and had not given any RDPR work order to him, pertaining to road works.

“Santosh Patil has accused me of taking 40 percent commission, he told media about people close to Eshwarappa demanding money. After his allegation, I have filed a defamation case against him. I think to afraid my complaint he has committed suicide”, Mr. Eshwarappa said.