SIT's Preliminary Charge Sheet Uncovers Major Scam in Karnataka's Valmiki Corporation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed a preliminary charge sheet in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation scam. The SIT has arrested 12 individuals and seized assets worth Rs 49.96 crore. The investigation continues, scrutinizing further illicit fund transfers of Rs 187.33 crore.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the misappropriation of funds from Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation has filed a preliminary charge sheet highlighting the arrest of 12 individuals and the recovery of Rs 49.96 crore.

Opposition parties BJP and JD(S) have called for the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as the scandal has led to the resignation of Minister B Nagendra, currently being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Among the arrested are former officials of the Valmiki Corporation and associates of former Minister Nagendra.

The SIT has registered eight cases and seized significant assets, including cash, gold, luxury cars, and frozen bank accounts. The investigation revealed that Rs 88.63 crore out of the Rs 187.33 crore was illicitly transferred to multiple accounts, including those in Telangana. Former Minister Nagendra is in judicial custody, and the scam was initially uncovered following the suicide of an Accounts Superintendent who left behind a detailed note.

(With inputs from agencies.)