Karnataka: Former Minister B. Nagendra appears before ED in tribal welfare scam case
Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Bengaluru on Monday in connection with the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam, after the agency issued a notice summoning him for questioning.
Nagendra appeared before the ED officials at the agency’s office in Bengaluru’s Jalahalli.
According to officials, the ED has summoned him to gather further information following the filing of a chargesheet in the case.
The questioning is expected to focus on alleged money laundering, financial transactions and bank accounts linked to the case.
The agency is also likely to examine Nagendra’s statements in the context of the evidence gathered during its investigation.
Sources said the ED is likely to file an additional chargesheet in the case after completing further investigation.
Nagendra had resigned as the Minister following sustained protests by the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular over his alleged involvement in the scam.
He had served as Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Scheduled Tribes Welfare before stepping down amid the controversy.
The ED had earlier arrested Nagendra in connection with the case, and he subsequently spent around three months in jail before being granted bail.
Officials said the possibility of his arrest during Monday’s questioning was low, as Nagendra is currently out on bail.
However, the agency is continuing its probe into the alleged financial irregularities and money-laundering aspects of the case.
The case pertains to alleged illegal transfer and diversion of funds belonging to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.
The ED is investigating the alleged movement of funds and financial transactions associated with the scam.
B. Nagendra served as the state’s Tribal Welfare Minister when the scandal came to light.
He resigned from his post, faced intense political pressure, and was later jailed during the probe.
After a brief return to the state Cabinet, he resigned a second time.
Three major groups are investigating the case: the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and a state Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Authorities have raided multiple locations, frozen several bank accounts, arrested key corporate and bank officials, and sought official sanction to prosecute the implicated leaders.
Part of the stolen money has been recovered by investigators.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had said on the floor of the House that investigators found that around Rs 84 to Rs 89 crore was siphoned off into unauthorised accounts.
The BJP is claiming that money between Rs 184 crore to Rs 187 crore reserved for Dalits have been looted and utilised for elections across India.