In wake of an unexpected incident that has reverberated across the district, Chandrashekhar Sankol, a one-time Davanagere City Corporation member and a BJP heavyweight, died by suicide Friday. Sankol, a ticket aspirant for the Davanagere North Assembly constituency, committed suicide by burning himself in the car at his farmhouse near Naganur.
The Incident Local reports claim that the tragedy was committed in a garden outside Naganur village. Sankol allegedly drove to his property, put a number of tires in his car to set it ablaze, doused himself and the vehicle with petrol and commenced the blaze. By the time the investigators arrived, the leader and the vehicle had already been torched beyond recognition.
Preceding Tragedy
The extreme move was the result of some bad things happening in the family. After an intense domestic drama on Thursday night, Sankol's two children in the form of Naresh (20) and Pavitra (23) reported having tried suicide by hanging at their house. Luckily, neighbors pulled them away, and they were driven to their local hospital in Davanagere, whose treatment is taking place at the moment. Sankol's children and the family's upheaval has led to speculation that he attempted suicide.
Background and Motive
Chandrashekhar Sankol was a prominent person in the district operating a successful cement and iron business in Shamanur village. Apart from his business interests, he enjoyed a lot of stake in party organization for the BJP and owned a number of assets (areca nut plantations and commercial complexes) that he used to run. But he had been under severe pressure on financial condition recently -- with debts mounting -- prompting frequent quarrels at home, reports said.
Official Investigation Hadadi police and SOCO (Scene of Crime Officers) team arrived at the scene upon hearing the news. The car was left only in skeletal form, and remains have returned for examination by forensic experts. The SP (superintendent of Police) Uma Prashanth took over the investigation. The SOCO team is still reconstructing the scene of the crime to piece together what really happened.
Politicians such as S. A. Ravindranath, the former minister, visited the place, lamenting the loss of a beloved party worker. Although initial investigations suspect family arguments and mental unrest, the police said no clear picture will come until a full investigation has been conducted. Disclaimer: If you or those you know face mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, please get involved with mental health professionals. Assistance is provided by the national helpline 'KIRAN' 1800-599-0019 or by local Karnataka state helplines.
