What Led to the K’taka Bhovi Corporation Scam Involving Top Officials?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ED has seized properties worth Rs 26.27 crore.
- The scam involves misappropriation of funds meant for loans.
- Over 750 fake beneficiaries were allegedly created.
- Nagarajappa and Leelavathy have been arrested under PMLA.
- Ongoing investigations aim to uncover more details.
Bengaluru, May 26 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally seized immovable assets valued at approximately Rs 26.27 crore, with a current market worth of Rs 40 crore, belonging to former General Manager of the Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation (KBDC), B. K. Nagarajappa, and the former Managing Director, R. Leelavathy. This action is part of an investigation into the Bhovi Corporation scam, as stated in an official release on Monday.
The ED's Bengaluru Zonal Office has taken this step under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, addressing a case of funds misappropriation from the Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation (KBDC). The investigation uncovered that Nagarajappa and Leelavathy, in collusion with middlemen, have improperly allocated loans and financial assistance to over 750 fraudulent beneficiaries through bank accounts they had deceitfully opened.
According to the ED, the funds sanctioned from KBDC were diverted to several entities including Adithya Enterprises, Somanatheswara Enterprises, New Dreams Enterprises, Harntiha Creations, and Annika Enterprises, all controlled by Nagarajappa and his associates. These funds were utilized for acquiring properties, compensating middlemen, and transferring to various individuals and entities.
The misappropriated funds were primarily spent on sustaining their lavish lifestyles and purchasing both immovable and movable assets in their names and those of their family members, the statement added.
Previously, the ED arrested Nagarajappa and Leelavathy under Section 19 of the PMLA on April 5, 2025, and April 12, 2025, respectively, and they are presently in judicial custody.
Further investigations are ongoing, as the Bhovi Development Corporation scam, which allegedly took place during the previous BJP administration in 2021-22, involved the embezzlement of significant funds intended for a loan scheme aimed at members of the Bhovi community.