BJP leader sets himself ablaze after his children attempt suicide in Karnataka’s Davangere

A 56-year-old BJP leader was found dead inside his car after he allegedly set himself on fire Sunday morning following an argument with his children in a village in Karnataka’s Davangere district.

The deceased has been identified as Chandrashekar Sankola, a resident of Shamanur village in Davangere. The police suspect that Sankola, a former Bharatiya Janata Party corporator, might have died by suicide due to financial issues.

According to a police officer, Sankola had an argument with his children over financial matters over the phone Saturday night. The argument escalated his son Naresh, 20, and daughter, Pavithra, 23, allegedly attempted suicide.

Uma Prashanth, Superintendent of Police, Davangere, said Sankola returned home, and shifted his children to the hospital. “Prima facie, it looks like a suicide. We are further investigating the case. Naresh is out of danger, but Pavithra’s condition is critical. We will further probe the matter.”