Karnataka Home Minister Criticizes Political Use of Central Agencies

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has condemned the use of central agencies like the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) as political tools. His remarks followed the ED's arrest of former minister B Nagendra in a money laundering case. Parameshwara emphasized that investigations should be non-partisan.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday denounced the practice of utilizing central agencies such as the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) as 'political weapons.' His comments emerged shortly after the ED detained former minister B Nagendra in connection with a money laundering probe tied to alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited.

With allegations mounting, Nagendra, who served as the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister, resigned on June 6. Parameshwara noted that the ED's investigation and Nagendra's arrest were part of legal procedures, but he warned against politically motivated actions.

Earlier in the week, the ED conducted extensive searches, targeting around 20 locations across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The searches included premises linked to Nagendra and ruling Congress MLA Basanagouda Daddal, under a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).