Funds diverted from Valmiki corporation used during Lok Sabha elections, says Directorate of Enforcement
The Hindu
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), which is probing the scam at the State-run Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd., claimed to have uncovered evidence that the diverted funds were used during the recent Lok Sabha elections. The ED has arrested former Minister B. Nagendra in connection with the scam.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), which is probing the scam at the State-run Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd., claimed to have uncovered evidence that the diverted funds were used during the recent Lok Sabha elections. The ED has arrested former Minister B. Nagendra in connection with the scam.
The agency made a statement for the first time in the case on Wednesday. The ED said that its probe revealed that approximately ₹90 crore was diverted to 18 fake accounts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The diverted funds were then laundered through fake and shell accounts, with cash and bullion dispersed among the accused, the ED added.
The agency further claimed that it had uncovered that “a substantial amount of funds were utilised to procure a significant quantity of liquor just prior to the general elections. Additionally, high-end vehicles, including a Lamborghini, were purchased using proceeds from the scam.
“During search operations at the premises of Mr. Nagendra and Basanagouda Daddal (corporation chairman), the ED recovered incriminating documents linking them to the handling of diverted funds during the recent elections. Additionally, associates closely connected to Mr. Nagendra were implicated in the fund diversion and cash management. Incriminating evidence related to the handling of these illicit funds was also discovered at the residence of the corporation’s chairman,” the ED said further in its statement on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, ED officials questioned Mr. Nagendra’s wife Manjula regarding certain transactions reportedly made through her accounts for over eight hours at the ED office in Shantinagar on Wednesday.
Amidst speculations of her arrest, the ED let her go. The ED custody of Mr. Nagendra ends on Thursday.
Residents in Bangalore are rushing to apply for Cauvery water connections as groundwater levels continue to decline.
British Deputy High Commission celebrates King Charles III's birthday with guests from various sectors, emphasizing U.K.-India relations.
Government promotes public-private partnerships for tourism development in Andhra Pradesh, focusing on eco, adventure, religious and cultural tourism.
Explore the humble beginnings and growth of Karnataka's iconic Nandini dairy brand from Kudige to a global presence.
Telangana High Court directs police not to arrest former officer in criminal case until February 12.
JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit highlights women empowerment and academic achievements at 8th convocation ceremony.
Delhi court defers defamation case hearing filed by Sandeep Dikshit against Atishi and Sanjay Singh to February 19.
Calicut University inter-zone arts festival at Majlis College, Puramannur, with 5,000 students from 5 districts participating.
AAP accuses BJP of trying to poach candidates with ₹15 crore offers, BJP denies allegations, calling them baseless.
The mid-air collision in Washington DC in January 2025 brings out several aspects of human factors that can result in an aviation tragedy
TATA Power inaugurates India's largest solar manufacturing unit, creating jobs and boosting solar power efficiency in Tamil Nadu.
Cabinet approves dynamic queue system, compensation for farmers, knowledge society policy and solar power projects in Andhra Pradesh.
Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav join DMK protest against UGC draft regulations in New Delhi, amplifying student voices.