Bengaluru, Feb 19 (NationPress) RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna has lodged a formal complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department, presenting serious new allegations of bribery against Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh.

In the complaint, Krishna accuses former Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner D.B. Natesh of allegedly paying crores of rupees to obtain a promotion.

He claims that Rs 1.60 crore was offered as a bribe to individuals associated with the Chief Secretary to facilitate Natesh's promotion, even though he is facing corruption allegations.

According to the complaint, on February 9, a Toyota Etios with registration number KA 41 C 6723 supposedly transported crores of rupees in five bags to Mysuru.

Krishna asserts that the vehicle carried over Rs 9 crore in cash, and one bag containing Rs 1.60 crore was allegedly handed to someone connected to the Chief Secretary.

He also mentioned that promotion orders for Natesh were issued on February 13 after the alleged payment.

The vehicle in question is reportedly registered under the Karnataka State Khadi and Village Industries Department.

Natesh is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Board, as alleged by Snehamayi Krishna.

Krishna, who has also filed a complaint in the alleged MUDA site allotment scam involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as the main accused, has included vehicle photos with his complaint.

He has urged the ED and the Income Tax Department to thoroughly investigate the alleged financial transactions.

Additionally, the RTI activist has called for the authorities to obtain mobile tower location data and call records, including WhatsApp calls made on February 9, pertaining to Natesh, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, and others implicated.

He has also requested the questioning of the relevant officials.

No immediate responses have been received from the officials named in the complaint.

This situation is poised to ignite significant controversy within the state.

Critics and former MUDA employees have accused the state government of shielding Natesh, demanding his dismissal and questioning why he hasn't been suspended amid these allegations.

The ED had previously raided Natesh's residence, interrogated him, and took him into custody in October 2024 in relation to a money laundering probe.

Natesh has approached the Karnataka High Court to challenge the legality of the ED's searches and the recording of his statements, asserting that the investigation breaches his privacy and that he lacks incriminating evidence.