**Karnataka Governor Approves Prosecution of Former Minister in Valmiki Scam**
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has authorized the prosecution of former Congress minister B Nagendra in connection with the significant Valmiki Corporation scam. This approval paves the way for a formal trial against Nagendra, who has already been detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to the case.
The ED had previously sought the Governor’s permission to initiate legal proceedings against Nagendra, citing substantial evidence gathered during their investigation. With the Governor’s sanction, the agency is now positioned to advance with criminal proceedings in court.
The Valmiki Corporation scam surfaced following the tragic suicide of Chandrasekaran P, a superintendent at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation (KMVSTDC), on May 26, 2024. In his suicide note, Chandrasekaran alleged that Rs 187 crore had been illicitly transferred from the corporation’s accounts to various entities, including prominent IT firms and a cooperative bank based in Hyderabad.
The ED has identified B Nagendra as the alleged mastermind behind this scam. Following his resignation from the ministerial role in May 2024, Nagendra was arrested by the ED on July 12, 2024, and subsequently granted bail by a special court in Bengaluru on October 15, 2024.
The alleged scam involved the misappropriation of approximately Rs 90 crore that was earmarked for tribal welfare, with funds reportedly diverted to unauthorized accounts and portions used for election financing.
In summary, the Governor’s approval marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation and prosecution of those involved in the Valmiki Corporation scam, highlighting the need for accountability in public office.
**FAQ**
*What is the Valmiki Corporation scam?*
The Valmiki Corporation scam involves the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for tribal welfare, with significant amounts being illegally transferred to unauthorized accounts and used for election funding.
