Belagavi
A week has passed since SDA Rudranna Yadavannavar took his life at the Tahsildar’s office, sparking concerns over allegations of harassment involving Tahsildar Basavaraj Nagaral and Somu Dodawad, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar’s personal assistant. Rudranna’s tragic death followed his transfer to Savadatti on November 4, after which he was found dead in the Tahsildar’s chamber.
In a statement before his death, Rudranna alleged he had paid Rs 2 lakh to the Tahsildar and Rs 50,000 to Hebbalkar’s PA in an attempt to prevent his transfer, yet faced it regardless. The transfer was reportedly due to poor performance, according to Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan.
The police investigation has seen limited progress, prompting criticism from the opposition BJP, who claim Minister Hebbalkar’s influence may be affecting the case’s pace. Rudranna’s mother, Mallamma, questioned the circumstances, noting that her son could have resigned, especially since his wife holds a government job, ensuring financial security.
Minister Hebbalkar has denied any role, pointing to Rudranna’s statements to a journalist as proof of her innocence. However, allegations persist that her staff had dismissed Rudranna, possibly adding to his distress.
The case remains in a critical phase, awaiting a forensic analysis of Rudranna’s mobile phone data for messages and recordings that may shed light on his final days. MP Jagadish Shettar visited Rudranna’s family, asserting Hebbalkar’s involvement and criticizing the investigation’s stagnation.
