![Former Karnataka Minister B Nagendra Taken Into ED Custody Amid Valmiki Corporation Scam Probe](https://xpresstimes.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/B-Nagendra-1.jpg)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detained former Karnataka minister and Congress leader B Nagendra in connection with the alleged Valmiki Corporation scam. Nagendra was taken into custody from his Bengaluru residence following extensive searches conducted over the past two days by the ED at various locations linked to him.
The probe stems from allegations surrounding the death of Chandrasekharan P, an accounts superintendent at the Corporation, whose purported suicide note implicated officials in illicit money transfers from the Corporation’s accounts. The note alleged unauthorized transactions amounting to ₹187 crore, with ₹88.62 crore reportedly diverted to IT companies and a cooperative bank in Hyderabad.
In response to the scandal, Nagendra resigned as the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister on June 6 amid mounting pressure. The Congress government subsequently formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals linked to the case.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also concurrently investigating the matter based on a complaint filed by the Union Bank of India.
Reacting to the ED’s actions, State BJP leaders have criticized the Congress government, labeling the scam as unprecedented in Karnataka’s history. Allegations include misuse of funds intended for Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities, purportedly siphoned off for elections and other unauthorized expenditures.
Senior BJP leader B Sriramulu accused the scam’s perpetrators of manipulating government and bank officials to embezzle funds meant for tribal welfare, further alleging that luxury vehicles were purchased with misappropriated money.
As tensions escalate, the BJP plans to protest vigorously during the upcoming monsoon session of the Karnataka Assembly, aiming to highlight what they characterize as a “government of scams.” State BJP General Secretary Sunil Kumar condemned the alleged chain of scams under the Congress regime, criticizing it as a “zero development government.”
Sources By Agencies