Did Kannada actress Radhika loan Rs 2.5 crore to Minister?
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Synopsis
The Karnataka Lokayukta has questioned actress Radhika about a Rs 2.5 crore loan to Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan. This investigation links the loan to financial inquiries surrounding the minister, who has faced scrutiny due to his connections with a significant Ponzi scheme. The unfolding drama in Karnataka politics raises many questions about accountability.
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka Lokayukta is scrutinizing a significant loan made by actress Radhika.
- Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan is under investigation for his financial dealings.
- The loan's origins are tied to the profits of Radhika's film 'Lucky'.
- The case highlights potential corruption within Karnataka's political landscape.
- Further investigations are ongoing to uncover more details.
Bengaluru, Sep 1 (NationPress) Officials from the Karnataka Lokayukta have interrogated renowned Kannada actress Radhika regarding an alleged loan of Rs 2.5 crore that she extended to Minister for Housing and Waqf Zameer Ahmad Khan.
On Monday, sources revealed that while investigating the source of the minister’s income, Lokayukta agents acquired documentation indicating the minister received this loan amount.
Actress Radhika, who attended the inquiry, confirmed that she had indeed loaned the amount to Minister Zameer nearly a decade ago and provided a statement to the authorities.
She asserted that the funds originated from the profits of her Kannada film 'Lucky', which featured KGF star Yash and popular actress and former Congress MP Ramya, produced by Shamika Enterprises.
She stated that the funds were generated through box office earnings and the sale of satellite rights to television networks. The Lokayukta has requested actress Radhika to furnish documentation to validate her assertions.
In 2019, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed raids on Zameer Khan’s residences and offices in Bengaluru concerning the IMA Ponzi scheme, which amounted to Rs 4,000 crore, defrauding thousands of individuals, primarily Muslims, of their hard-earned savings.
During these raids, ED officials purportedly collected data on financial transactions related to him. At that time, Zameer Khan was serving as a minister in the previous Congress-JD(S) coalition government of Karnataka.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had also filed a complaint against Zameer Khan in this matter. However, once the ACB was disbanded, the case was transferred to the Karnataka Lokayukta, which is currently investigating the situation.
Further investigations are ongoing.
Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan is seen as a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The ACB conducted simultaneous searches at five locations associated with Khan on July 5, 2022, based on an ED report regarding disproportionate assets. At that time, Zameer Ahmad was functioning as the food and civil supplies minister in the H.D. Kumaraswamy government in Karnataka.
Point of View
It is imperative to maintain an unbiased perspective. The investigation into Radhika's loan to Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan raises significant questions about the intertwining of politics and entertainment in India. This case underscores the necessity for transparency and accountability, as both the film industry and political figures navigate scrutiny amidst allegations of corruption.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the investigation?
The Karnataka Lokayukta is actively investigating the loan given by actress Radhika to Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, with further inquiries underway.
How did the actress claim to fund the loan?
Radhika stated that the loan was funded from the profits of her film 'Lucky', which was generated through box office collections and satellite rights sales.
Who is Zameer Ahmad Khan?
Zameer Ahmad Khan is the Minister for Housing and Waqf in Karnataka and is currently under investigation for financial discrepancies linked to a Ponzi scheme.
What historical events are connected to this case?
The investigation ties back to the IMA Ponzi scheme, where the ED conducted raids on Zameer Khan's properties in 2019.
What role does the Anti-Corruption Bureau play in this case?
The ACB initially lodged a complaint against Zameer Khan, and after its dissolution, the case was transferred to the Karnataka Lokayukta for further investigation.
