Synopsis
The Karnataka SIT has arrested Dy SP B.M. Kanakalakshmi on charges of abetting the suicide of a woman advocate involved in a major scam. Allegations include extortion and corruption during her custody.Key Takeaways
- Dy SP Kanakalakshmi arrested for abetment to suicide.
- Victim accused police of severe mistreatment.
- Family demands justice and accountability.
- Karnataka High Court involved in the investigation.
- Scam involved illegal transfer of Rs 34 crore.
Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the tragic suicide of a woman advocate, who was implicated in the Bhovi Development Corporation Scam during the BJP regime in Karnataka, has taken Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) B.M. Kanakalakshmi into custody on Tuesday in Bengaluru on allegations of abetment to commit suicide and corruption.
Dy SP Kanakalakshmi was apprehended after presenting herself to the Investigating Officers on Tuesday morning.
The SIT had previously recorded her statement on two occasions.
Sources verified that the allegations in the suicide note corresponded with video evidence obtained from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office.
S. Jeeva, a Bengaluru businesswoman who owned a wood material shop, tragically ended her life by hanging on November 22, 2024, leaving behind an 11-page death letter.
She claimed that she felt compelled to take this drastic action due to the torture inflicted by Dy SP Kanakalakshmi.
The 33-year-old Jeeva asserted that Dy SP Kanakalakshmi had mistreated her by stripping her naked while in custody and demanded a bribe of Rs 25 lakh to release her from the investigation.
Jeeva's family accused the CID officers of harassing her at her shop and publicly humiliating her and her staff.
Just seven days after her questioning, Jeeva took her own life.
The investigation was transferred to the CID. Despite a Karnataka High Court order to conduct online questioning, the CID had summoned her to appear in person.
Jeeva's family expressed their outrage and called for action against Dy SP Kanakalakshmi.
S. Sangeeta, the deceased's younger sister, filed a complaint against the Dy SP at the Banashankari police station.
The Advocates' Association petitioned the Karnataka High Court, demanding accountability for Dy SP in this matter.
The Karnataka High Court established a three-member SIT, consisting of two IAS officers and a CBI officer, to investigate the case.
It was alleged that a total of Rs 34 crore was illegally diverted from the Bhovi Corporation, which was intended for community welfare.
Out of this sum, Rs 7.16 crore was reportedly funneled to Annika Enterprises, a company owned by Jeeva.
The remainder was transferred to businesses linked to close associates of the former Managing Directors of the Bhovi Development Corporation.
The scam came to light in 2022 during the BJP's governance.
The investigation identified several bank accounts that had received the misappropriated funds.
Middlemen collaborated with Bhovi Corporation officials, obtained government documents for loans up to Rs 10 lakh, secured their signatures, and took loans under their names.
The fraud was uncovered when banks approached them for loan repayment.
