Karnataka High Court Stays FIR Against ED Officials Amid Harassment Allegations

The Karnataka High Court has stayed an FIR against Enforcement Directorate officials following allegations of harassment by a social welfare officer. The officer claimed the officials pressured him to name senior political figures during an investigation into irregularities in the Valmiki Development Corporation.

The Karnataka High Court has issued a stay on an FIR filed against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials based on a complaint by a social welfare department officer. The officer accused the ED officials of pressuring him to name top government figures, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, during a probe into irregularities in the Valmiki Development Corporation.

Two ED officials had sought relief from the High Court, challenging the FIR registered at Wilson Garden police station. They were accused of compelling the officer to implicate former Minister Nagendra in the ongoing investigation. The court has now ordered a stay on the FIR.

The FIR was lodged after former managing director Kallesh claimed the officials coerced him into admitting to illegal money transfers under the ex-minister's pressure. On July 23, the High Court heard the ED's plea and stayed the FIR, citing the filing of the FIR seemed designed to subvert the ED's ongoing investigation without a preliminary inquiry.