ED raids Karnataka locations linked to Ballari MP, other Congress leaders
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on Wednesday, conducted searches at eight locations in Karnataka, linked to Congress leader and Ballari Lok Sabha MP E Tukaram and other Congress leaders and MLAs in the state, sources said.The raids were in connection with the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of funds from the Karnataka Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (KVSTDCL). The alleged siphoned money was then reportedly used to fund the Lok Sabha election campaign.advertisementIn July 2024, the ED searched premises of Congress MLA Basanagouda Daddal, who chaired the KVSTDCL, as part of a money laundering probe into alleged irregularities. The agency conducted searches at around 20 locations across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
At the time, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the ED had the right to conduct raids and it wasn't embarrassing to the government, noting that central agencies operate independently and a SIT is also investigating.The alleged scam emerged after corporation accounts superintendent Chandrasekharan P was found dead on 21 May 2024. His suicide note alleged an unauthorised transfer of Rs 187 crore from the corporation, with Rs 88.62 crore illegally deposited into IT company accounts and a Hyderabad cooperative bank.Following the incident, two officials were suspended and Karnataka Tribal Welfare and Sports Minister Nagendra resigned, who was later arrested by the ED in connection with the alleged scam. advertisement
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