Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi (RJP)

Belagavi, Jul 19: A local BJP?leader committed suicide by shooting himself with a licensed pistol in the sanctum sanctorum of a temple on Tuesday, July 18 at Turakar Shigihalli village in Kittur taluk in the district.

Shivangouda Basangouda Patil (53), a former vice president of BJP Kittur block, is the person deceased.

As per details available, Patil woke up early in the morning and walked into the sanctum sanctorum of Girimalleshwar Temple which is located near his home. There he shot himself in the head and breathed his last in a while.

Local residents rushed to the temple after hearing the unusual sound and were shocked to find Patil dead.

Patil was active in politics in the area. His suicide has come as a shock to the local people, friends and relatives.

Patil is survived by his wife and four daughters, two of whom are married.

Belagavi superintendent of police B R Ravikante Gowda, deputy superintendent of police Karunakar Shetty and other officers inspected the spot.

Police have seized the pistol and bullet from the spot. They said they were investigating what drove Patil to suicide.

Sources said, Patil had taken loans from several banks but failed to repay them.

A case of unnatural death stands registered at the Kittur police station.