K’taka ex-deputy CM’s PA ends life, Cong cries foul

Ramesh was found hanging from a tree near the Sports Authority of India grounds in the morning on Saturday

Bengaluru, Oct. 12: Former deputy chief minister Dr G. Parameshwar’s confidant allegedly committed suicide on Saturday, days after income-tax sleuths raided the residence, office and education institutions of the former deputy chief minister, the police said.

Ramesh was found hanging from a tree near the Sports Authority of India grounds in the morning, the police said. He hailed from Mellehalli in Ramanagar. He started his stint with Congress as a typist and became close to Dr Parameshwar.

The sleuths, who raided the residence, office and Siddharth Group of Institutions belonging to Dr Parameshwar two days ago, had grilled Ramesh too.

Dr Parameshwar said that he had told Ramesh to be courageous and face the situation boldly. “Don’t know why he committed suicide. This morning also, I spoke to him and told him to stay bold,” Dr Parameshwar said. He visited the spot where Ramesh committed suicide.

Meanwhile, income-tax officials summoned Dr Parameshwar to depose before them on Tuesday after two days of extensive raids at his office, education institution and residence. “I will go there on Tuesday,” Dr Parameshwar said.

The Congress unit described Ramesh’s suicide an outcome of “targeted harassment” of their rank and cadre to keep them away from the party. “IT dept claims second victim in State after Siddharth. Harassment from @BJP4India controlled IT dept has claimed life of Ramesh,” the Karnataka Congress said in a tweet, drawing a parallel between the alleged suicide by Cafe Coffee Day founder V.G. Siddhartha and Ramesh.

“In its rush to pester opposition, they have surpassed all levels of Humanity & has repeatedly exceeded its mandate. This is condemnable & unheard of," the party tweeted.

Speaking to reporters, KPCC chief Dinesh Gundu Rao wanted to know why Congress leaders were only raided.