Former Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra Appears Before ED in Alleged Tribal Welfare Scam

Bengaluru, September 7 (Daily Kiran) : Former Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday for questioning related to the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation scam. The ED summoned him to gather further information following the filing of a charge sheet in the case.

Nagendra arrived at the ED office in Jalahalli, Bengaluru, where officials conducted the interrogation. During the questioning, he is expected to face inquiries regarding alleged money laundering, financial transactions, and associated bank accounts.

Investigators will also assess Nagendra’s statements based on evidence collected during the ongoing investigation. Sources indicate that the ED might file a supplementary charge sheet once the investigation is complete.

Nagendra resigned from his ministerial position amid protests from the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) over his alleged involvement in the scam. Before the controversy erupted, he served as the Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Tribal Welfare.

Previously, the ED had arrested Nagendra, who spent nearly three months in jail before being granted bail. Officials have stated that the likelihood of his arrest during Monday’s questioning is low since he is currently out on bail.

The agency continues to investigate the alleged financial irregularities and money laundering aspects of the case, which centers around the illegal transfer and misuse of funds from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation.

The ED is examining the flow of money and financial transactions related to the scam. At the time the allegations surfaced, Nagendra was serving as the state’s Tribal Welfare Minister. Following the scandal, he faced significant political pressure and ultimately resigned from his position. After a brief return to the cabinet, he resigned again.

Three major agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the ED, and the state government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), are currently conducting the investigation. These agencies have carried out raids at multiple locations, frozen several bank accounts, arrested key corporate and bank officials, and sought permission to prosecute implicated politicians.

Investigators have reportedly recovered a portion of the misappropriated funds. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated in the assembly that investigators discovered approximately ₹84 crore to ₹89 crore had been transferred to unauthorized accounts. The BJP, meanwhile, claims that funds reserved for Dalits, amounting to ₹184 crore to ₹187 crore, were misused and utilized for electoral activities across the country.