Synopsis
The Special Investigation Team in Karnataka has arrested Dy SP B.M. Kanakalakshmi for her alleged involvement in the suicide of a woman advocate linked to the Bhovi Development Corporation Scam, raising serious concerns about corruption and police misconduct.Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru police officer arrested for abetting suicide.
- Investigation reveals disturbing allegations of abuse.
- Suicide note contents matched with CID footage.
- Family demands accountability and justice.
- Karnataka High Court intervenes with a three-member SIT.
Bengaluru, March 11 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the tragic suicide of a female advocate, who was implicated in the Bhovi Development Corporation Scam linked to the BJP administration in Karnataka, has taken Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) B.M. Kanakalakshmi into custody on Tuesday in Bengaluru, facing allegations of abetting suicide and engaging in corrupt practices.
Dy SP Kanakalakshmi's arrest was made after she reported to the Investigating Officers on Tuesday morning.
The SIT has previously documented her statements on two occasions.
Reports indicate that the contents of the suicide note correspond with the video evidence obtained from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office.
S. Jeeva, a businesswoman from Bengaluru who operated a timber shop, ended her life by hanging herself at her home, leaving behind an 11-page death note on November 22, 2024.
She claimed she resorted to this drastic measure due to the alleged harassment by Dy SP Kanakalakshmi.
The 33-year-old Jeeva accused Dy SP Kanakalakshmi of subjecting her to severe mistreatment by stripping her while in custody and demanded a bribe of Rs 25 lakh to exclude her from the investigation.
The family of the deceased also alleged that CID personnel intimidated her at her business and publicly humiliated her and her employees.
Jeeva took her life merely seven days after being questioned.
The case has been transferred to the CID. Despite a directive from the Karnataka High Court for an online questioning, the CID insisted on her physical appearance.
Jeeva's family voiced their outrage and called for accountability from Dy SP Kanakalakshmi.
S. Sangeeta, the sister of the deceased, filed a complaint against Dy SP at the Banashankari police station.
The Advocates' Association has petitioned the Karnataka High Court for action against Dy SP in this matter.
The Karnataka High Court established a three-member SIT, which includes two IAS officers and a CBI officer, to delve into the case.
It has been alleged that approximately Rs 34 crore was unlawfully diverted from the Bhovi Corporation intended for community welfare.
Of this amount, Rs 7.16 crore was reportedly funneled to Annika Enterprises, a firm owned by Jeeva.
The remaining funds went to companies linked to close associates of former Managing Directors of the Bhovi Development Corporation.
This fraudulent scheme was revealed in 2022, during the BJP's tenure.
The investigation has uncovered numerous bank accounts that received misappropriated funds.
Intermediaries colluded with Bhovi Corporation officials, collecting government documentation to secure loans of up to Rs 10 lakh, obtaining signatures, and appropriating the loans in their names.
The scam became apparent when banks approached them for loan repayment.
