What Are the Latest Developments in the Tribal Welfare Board Scam?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, the CBI has launched a series of raids linked to the tribal welfare board scam involving former minister B. Nagendra. Important evidence has been seized, leading to growing concerns over the misuse of government funds. Stay tuned as we uncover the details of this unfolding story!
Key Takeaways
- CBI raids took place at 16 locations in two states.
- Evidence of fund misappropriation has been uncovered.
- Former minister B. Nagendra is a key suspect.
- Investigation linked to the Valmiki Tribal Corporation scam.
- High Court oversight is in place for the investigation.
Bengaluru, Sep 15 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has executed raids at 16 sites across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on Monday, in relation to a high-profile tribal welfare board scam involving former minister B. Nagendra, who is currently incarcerated.
The CBI's official statement revealed: "Raids were carried out at the residences of the sister, brother-in-law, personal assistant, and other close associates of the former Karnataka minister, tied to the embezzlement of government funds."
CBI sources confirmed that the authorities targeted the properties of Sharada (sister), D. Bharani Prasad (brother-in-law), Personal Assistant K. Vishwanath, Nekkanti Nagaraj (a close associate of former Minister B. Nagendra), and owner of Dhanalaxmi Enterprises, along with N. Ravikumar (brother of Nagaraj) and N. Yashwanth Chowdhry, among others.
As per the CBI's statement, the agency conducted searches at 16 locations in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh concerning the Valmiki Tribal Corporation scam, which involves the misappropriation of government funds.
The raids, carried out at the residences of the sister, brother-in-law, personal assistant, and other close associates of the former minister, led to the recovery of incriminating documents, property deeds, bank statements, and information about vehicles thought to have been purchased with illicit funds.
The case was officially registered on June 3, 2024, by the CBI, following a written complaint from the Deputy General Manager of the Union Bank of India.
The complaint alleges fraud, forgery, and criminal misappropriation involving Rs 84.63 crore through unauthorized transfers from the accounts of the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (KMVSTDCL), also known as Valmiki Corporation, held at the Union Bank of India, MG Road Branch, Bengaluru, during the period of February 21, 2024, to May 6, 2024.
The investigation is under the supervision of the High Court of Karnataka, which has received four status reports from the CBI thus far.
As the investigation progressed, more instances of fund diversions from the Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department and the Karnataka German Technical Training Institute (KGTTI) in 2024 were uncovered.
The CBI has been granted permission by the High Court to further investigate these allegations based on its status report.
The ST Welfare Department is managed by the Scheduled Tribe Welfare Ministry. Investigations revealed that Rs 2.17 crores from the ST Welfare department's funds were redirected from an account at Bank of Baroda in Bengaluru into the account of a private company linked to a close associate of the former minister.
Of these funds, around Rs 1.20 crore was subsequently funneled into the accounts of the former minister's sister, brother-in-law, and personal assistant. Additionally, funds were transferred to the owner of a farmhouse in Ballary, where the former minister reportedly stayed.
Similarly, Rs 64 lakh belonging to KGTTI was transferred from its account at Canara Bank in Bengaluru to the accounts of the brother and nephew of a close associate of the former minister through various intermediaries, as stated by the CBI.
The investigation continues, as reported by officials.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in governance. The ongoing investigation into the tribal welfare board scam underscores the need for rigorous oversight of public funds and a commitment to justice. We must ensure that those responsible for misappropriating government resources are held accountable, reinforcing public trust in our institutions.
NationPress
15/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the CBI's investigation into the tribal welfare board scam?
The investigation began following a complaint from the Deputy General Manager of the Union Bank of India, which alleged cheating and misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs 84.63 crore.
Who is involved in the alleged scam?
The scam involves former minister B. Nagendra and his close associates, including family members and business partners.
What evidence has been recovered during the raids?
Incriminating documents, property deeds, bank statements, and details of vehicles suspected to be acquired from the proceeds of crime have been seized.
How much money is alleged to have been misappropriated?
The total amount of misappropriated funds is reported to be Rs 84.63 crore.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with the CBI actively pursuing leads and has filed multiple status reports with the High Court of Karnataka.
