Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Addresses Valmiki Corporation Scam Investigation

Karnataka Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah commented on the Valmiki Corporation scam, revealing arrests and significant fund recoveries. He announced ongoing investigations by ED, CBI, and SIT. He criticized BJP for politicizing the issue and highlighted previous corrupt dealings under former CM Basavraj Bommai.

Karnataka Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah announced on Friday that four people have been arrested in connection with the Valmiki Corporation scam. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has seized and recovered approximately Rs 85 crores and 25 lakhs. The investigation is being led by three agencies: the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and SIT, with the government awaiting their reports.

Addressing media personnel, Siddaramaiah said, "Rs 187.33 crores has been looted by those involved in this scam. A death note revealed that three individuals were responsible for the death of P Chandrasekaran, leading to an FIR filed by his wife, Kavitha. A. Rajashekhar, General Manager of Valmiki Corporation, also lodged a complaint about the embezzled funds."

Siddaramaiah further informed the press of ongoing investigations: "Bank officials filed a complaint on June 3, 2024, to the CBI. Three major investigating bodies are examining the case: SIT, CBI, and ED, with the ED taking suo-motto action. So far, four individuals have been arrested, and about Rs 85 crores 25 lakhs have been seized and recovered in total. We are awaiting comprehensive reports from these investigating agencies."

Responding to BJP's demand for his resignation, Siddaramaiah termed the move politically motivated. He criticized the past administration under former CM Basavraj Bommai for its own corruption scandals, questioning why the ED did not investigate those cases. Earlier protests by BJP leaders demanded Siddaramaiah's resignation over the Valmiki Corporation and MUDA scams.

The Valmiki case emerged after a corporation official, Chandrasekaran, committed suicide, leaving a note alleging multi-crore corruption and implicating specific officials. Chandrasekaran’s death has intensified scrutiny, leading to multiple complaints and ongoing investigations.