4 hrs ago
ED Again Questions Karnataka Ex-Minister Nagendra in Valmiki Case
The Enforcement Directorate questioned B Nagendra again about money allegedly misused from a Karnataka corporation.
The corporation works with programs for Scheduled Tribes.
Investigators recorded Nagendra’s statement under a money-laundering law.
The questioning took place at the agency’s office in Bengaluru.
The case became public after an accounts officer died by suicide and left a note about unauthorised fund transfers.
Investigators later alleged that large amounts moved from the corporation’s accounts to other accounts.
Nagendra was arrested in 2024 and later received bail.
He also resigned from the Karnataka Cabinet twice.
Nagendra says the opposition BJP spread lies and that he resigned to protect his government and party.
The Enforcement Directorate again questioned former Karnataka minister and Congress MLA B Nagendra in Bengaluru.
Nagendra’s statement was recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The investigation concerns alleged fund misappropriation and irregularities at the Valmiki Corporation.
The case involves alleged transfers of large sums from corporation accounts and is linked to an Rs 89-crore controversy.
Nagendra was previously arrested in July 2024, later secured bail, and resigned from the Karnataka Cabinet twice.
- Who
- The Enforcement Directorate questioned former Karnataka minister and Congress MLA B Nagendra.
- What
- The agency recorded Nagendra’s statement in a money-laundering investigation involving alleged misappropriation of Valmiki Corporation funds.
- Where
- The questioning took place at the Enforcement Directorate’s office in Bengaluru.
- When
- The fresh questioning was reported on September 7; Nagendra was previously arrested in July 2024 and resigned from the Cabinet for the second time in late August.
- Why
- It was linked to alleged irregularities at the Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation and the contents of a Central Bureau of Investigation chargesheet filed in June.
Nagendra’s Defense
Investigation and Opposition Claims
Responsibility for the alleged irregularities
Nagendra’s Defense
Nagendra accused the opposition BJP of spreading lies about his alleged involvement in the Valmiki Corporation case.
Investigation and Opposition Claims
Investigations alleged that large sums were transferred from the corporation’s bank accounts to various accounts, prompting political controversy and demands for Nagendra’s resignation.
Reason for resigning
Nagendra’s Defense
Nagendra said he resigned to protect the Congress government and party from embarrassment.
Investigation and Opposition Claims
The opposition applied pressure for his resignation over his alleged involvement in the Rs 89-crore Valmiki Corporation controversy.
Key facts
- Person questioned
- B Nagendra, a 54-year-old Congress MLA from Bellary Rural
- Investigating agency
- Enforcement Directorate
- Legal provision
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act
- Corporation involved
- Karnataka Maharishi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited
- Alleged controversy
- Rs 89 crore
- Earlier legal action
- Nagendra was arrested by the ED in July 2024 and later secured bail
- Case trigger
- Corporation accounts officer Chandrasekharan P died by suicide in May 2024 and left a note alleging unauthorised fund transfers
- Related investigation
- The Central Bureau of Investigation filed a chargesheet in June
Sources
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