Karnataka Deputy CM Criticizes ED Raids in Valmiki Development Case

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar denounces recent Enforcement Directorate raids on Valmiki Development Corporation as unnecessary. He insists the state government’s SIT is already investigating the matter and expects those implicated to be proven innocent.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar criticized the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) recent raids on the Valmiki Development Corporation case, calling them unwarranted. The raids targeted locations linked to former Karnataka Minister B Nagendra and MLA Basanagouda Daddal over alleged embezzlement of funds.

Speaking at the Nonavinakere Kadasiddeshwara mutt, Shivakumar stated, "The SIT set up by the state government is already investigating. There was no need for the ED to conduct these raids, including at Nagendra's residence." He emphasized that banks should investigate the issue due to the substantial amount of money involved.

Shivakumar assured that Nagendra would be cleared of any wrongdoing once investigations conclude, adding that similar cases occurred during the previous BJP government. He also mentioned that SIT notices issued to Nagendra and Daddal revealed no involvement of the accused. Regarding his visit to Nonavinakere Mutt, Shivakumar cited his long-standing faith and efforts to address objections raised by the Forest Department about Siddeshwara temple road construction. Commenting on the upcoming Channapatna by-polls, he asserted his candidacy.