Valmiki Maharshi scam: BJP demands dismissal of B Nagendra from Karnataka cabinet over misappropriation of funds

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 31 : BJP Karnataka alleged that Siddaramaiah-led Congress government was attempting to protect Minister B Nagendra, accused in the multi-crore scam involving Rs 187.33 crore.
The BJP demanded the dismissal of Nagendra allegedly involved in the misappropriation of funds allocated for Scheduled Tribes and asked to refer the case to the CBI.
Taking to X, BJP Karnataka shared, "Siddaramaiah-led Congress government is attempting to shift the blame for a Rs 187.33 crore scam onto the Union Bank of India for illegal money transfers in order to protect the accused minister B. Nagendra in the multi-crore scam involving the Valmiki Maharshi Development Corporation."
BJP Karnataka alleged that the Karnataka government was attempting to obtain a clean chit for the minister through a CID investigation.
"The highly corrupt @INCKarnataka government is attempting to obtain a clean chit for the minister through a preliminary CID investigation. In response, Union Bank has lodged a complaint with the CBI, expressing its readiness for an investigation into the illegal money transfers," BJP Karnataka further shared.
The BJP demanded from CM Siddaramaiah to dismiss the minister and refer the entire case to the CBI.
"We demand that @siddaramaiah dismiss the minister implicated in the misappropriation of funds allocated for Scheduled Tribes and refer the entire case to the CBI. Moreover, we demand clarity on any personal gains you have obtained from such corrupt practices," BJP Karnataka added.
Earlier in a press release, Union Bank of India said that the bank is cognizant of the alleged fraudulent transactions in the accounts of the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (a Government of Karnataka Undertaking) which happened at our M.G. Road Branch, Bengaluru.
The bank has promptly declared the transactions in question as fraudulent, when the irregularities came to light. To ensure a thorough investigation and swift identification of the culprits, we have filed a formal complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) vide complaint number ROBNGE/1649:2024 dated May 30, 2024. Additionally, three branch officials have been placed under suspension pending further inquiry, the press release stated.
The Union Bank of India said that it is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency. "We are fully cooperating with the authorities to resolve this matter justly and expeditiously. Our dedication to our customers and stakeholders remains our top priority, and we are taking all necessary steps to prevent such incidents," Union Bank said in the release.
Earlier, the BJP called for a judicial investigation into the alleged suicide of an official of the Maharshi Valmiki Development Corporation (MVDC) in Karnataka's Bengaluru, on Monday.
Former BJP national secretary and the party's senior leader in Karnataka, CT Ravi, targeted the ruling Congress government in the state over the alleged suicide incident, holding State Tribal Welfare Minister B Nagendra responsible and demanding his resignation.