MLA Basanagouda Daddal Appears at Vidhana Soudha Amidst Major Scam Investigation

Basanagouda Daddal, chairperson of the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, appeared at the Vidhana Soudha following a major scam investigation involving an illegal transfer of Rs 88 crore. The ED and CBI are probing the case, which resulted in the arrest of former Minister B Nagendra.

Basanagouda Daddal, the chairperson of the scam-hit Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, re-emerged at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Monday after being inaccessible for a few days.

Daddal, who is also the Congress MLA for Raichur Rural, attended the Assembly session commencing on Monday and running until July 26. Addressing reporters, he clarified that he was not missing but had returned to his village.

Concerning the illegal transfer of Rs 88 crore to various bank accounts, Daddal stated he had not received any notice from the Enforcement Directorate. The ED, along with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), is investigating the multi-crore scam. The ED recently raided several locations allegedly linked to former Minister B Nagendra and Daddal, with Nagendra being arrested on Friday in connection with the scam.

The scam was uncovered after Chandrasekharan P, the Accounts Superintendent of the Corporation, died by suicide on May 26, leaving behind a note accusing the illegal transfer of funds. Nagendra, who managed the scheduled tribes welfare portfolio, resigned following Chandrasekharan's death. The Congress government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has so far arrested 11 people. The CBI is also investigating the case based on a complaint from the Union Bank of India.