Karnataka Deputy CM Criticizes ED Raids as 'Unwarranted' in Valmiki Corporation Case

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar criticized the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) raids in connection with the Valmiki Development Corporation case, labeling them as unnecessary. The ED conducted searches linked to former Minister B Nagendra and MLA Basanagouda Daddal over unauthorized transfers of Rs 187 crore. Shivakumar believes the State's SIT was already addressing the issue adequately.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday called the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids in the Valmiki Development Corporation case unnecessary and unwarranted.

The ED conducted searches at multiple locations linked to former Karnataka Minister B Nagendra and MLA Basanagouda Daddal. This was in connection with the illegal transfer of Rs 187 crore belonging to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation.

The raids were part of an investigation into the unauthorised transfer, including Rs 88.62 crore illegally credited to various accounts of some IT companies and a Hyderabad-based cooperative bank.

Shivakumar, speaking at the Nonavinakere Kadasiddeshwara mutt, asserted that the State’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the government was already investigating the matter. He stressed that there was no need for the ED to intervene. Despite endorsing action against those involved, he noted similar fraud had occurred during the previous BJP government.