Bengaluru, August 19: The Karnataka government has called on opposition parties to cease their protests and actively participate in discussions within both houses of the legislature. The opposition has been demonstrating over the resignation of Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra.
The controversy stems from allegations of irregularities within the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation, prompting calls for Nagendra’s resignation due to his alleged involvement.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara stated in the assembly and council that the opposition is attempting to disrupt legislative proceedings by leveling accusations against Nagendra. He emphasized that discussions on this matter should follow constitutional and parliamentary procedures.
The government pointed out that the assembly’s proceedings are funded by taxpayer money. However, political maneuvers aimed at obstructing the house’s functioning are detrimental to both the public and the constitution.
According to a statement released by the government, the Valmiki Corporation opened an account with Union Bank on February 19, 2024, located on MG Road in Bengaluru. All funds were transferred to this bank account.
By March 4, 2024, a total of ₹187.33 crores had been transferred into the account, comprising ₹143.99 crores from 20 different bank accounts. The corporation managed these accounts, while an additional ₹43.33 crores was transferred from the state treasury.
The government clarified that the managing director of the corporation had the authority to transfer funds. Notably, no ministerial or governmental approval was required for these transactions.
Subsequently, ₹187.33 crores and ₹89.63 crores were transferred to 18 unauthorized bank accounts, all facilitated through fraudulent documentation. On May 23, 2024, ₹5 crores were later transferred back to the corporation’s Union Bank account, which is located in Hyderabad.
This issue gained attention when the corporation’s accountant, P. Chandrashekar, committed suicide at his residence in Shivamogga on May 25, 2024. The government reported that he left behind a six-page suicide note accusing the corporation of illegal fund transfers.
Based on a complaint from Chandrashekar’s wife, Kavita, a case related to abetment of suicide was filed on May 26 at the Vinobanagar police station in Shivamogga.
On May 28, the corporation’s general manager lodged a complaint at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru regarding the alleged illegal fund transfers.
In response, the government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on May 31, 2024, to conduct a thorough investigation.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR on June 3 based on complaints from officials of Union Bank of India. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on June 6.
Despite the ongoing investigations by the CBI and ED, the state CID’s SIT has identified and arrested 14 suspects.
During the investigation, authorities seized cash, gold bars, jewelry, and several vehicles from the accused.
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