In a significant development in the alleged scam involving Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Schedule Tribe Development Corporation Limited (KMVSTDC), former Minister B Nagendra has been remanded in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody till July 18. Nagendra was arrested from his residence in Bengaluru’s Dollars Colony early Friday morning and was subjected to extensive interrogations throughout the day and night.
The ED had requested a 14-day remand for further investigation, but the Special People’s Court in Sampigehalli granted custody only until July 18. Nagendra denied any involvement in the alleged illegal activities of the Valmiki Corporation, stating, “I have no role in the illegality in the Valmiki Corporation. I don’t know why the ED officials have arrested me.”
Nagendra, who had served as Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare, resigned from his position on June 6 amidst the unfolding scandal within KMVSTDC. The Congress MLA from Ballari Rural has been under scrutiny since the controversy surfaced, leading to his eventual arrest by the ED.
The ED’s investigation stems from allegations surrounding purported multi-crore embezzlement within the corporation, initially brought to light by the tragic suicide of Chandrashekaran, an accountant associated with the corporation on May 26. The ED is probing the alleged scam and Nagendra’s role in it.
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