Karnataka Legislative Council Deputy Speaker SL Dharme Gowda commits suicide, body found on railway track

Gowda had committed suicide by jumping in front of a train in Gunasagar in Kadur on Monday evening. He had left his home alone on Monday evening around 7 PM in his Santro car.

BENGALURU: In a tragic incident, Karnataka Legislative Council Deputy Speaker SL Dharme Gowda’s body was found lying on the railway track on Tuesday morning. According to police, Gowda was found dead on the railway track near Gunasagar, Kaddur in Chikmangluru.

The police suspect that he may have committed suicide by coming by jumping in front of a moving train in Gunasagar in Kadur late on Monday. He had left his home alone on Monday evening around 7 PM in his Santro car. He also did not inform his security team before moving out of his home along with his driver. 

When he did not return till 10 PM, a search was initiated to trace him. Gowda's body was later found lying on the railway track. It has also come to light that the Janata Dal (S) leader had asked his driver to leave the place and then inquired about the train movement at that time.

According to news agency ANI, a suicide note has also been recovered from Gowda’s body.

Karnataka: Body of SL Dharme Gowda, Deputy Speaker of State Legislative Council was found on a railway track near Kadur in Chikkamagaluru. A suicide note has been recovered.

— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2020

HD Deve Gowda, former PM and JDS chiefleader, said, "It is shocking to learn the news of Deputy Speaker of State Legislative Council and JDS leader SL Dharme Gowda's suicide. He was a calm and decent man. This is a loss of the state"

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also expressed shock and grief over Dharme Gowda's suicide. "The untimely demise of Dharme Gowda is the most unfortunate and traumatic event. May his soul rest in peace and give strength to his family and followers," the CMO said.

As the news spread, senior leaders, including BJP national general secretary CT Ravi and Dharme Gowda’s brother Bhoje Gowda, who is also an MLC, had immediately rushed to spot.

Chikkamagalur DC Dr Bagadi Gautham told reporters hat the exact cause of his death can be confirmed only after the post-mortem

Dharme Gowda was in news recently after a high drama at Karnataka Legislative Council where he was first forcefully seated at the Chairman's chair by BJP legislators before the Chairman's arrival and was dragged down by the Congress legislators. 

The Chikmangluru.Police have started the investigation.

Dharme Gowda, 64, who was an MLC from JD(S), is survived by his wife, son and a daughter. His brother, S L Bhoje Gowda, is also an MLC.