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Valmiki Corporation scam (Karnataka)

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The Valmiki Corporation scam is a major financial fraud case involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited (KMVSTDC).[1] The scam was discoverged after the suicide of 52 year old corporation superintendent Chandrasekaran P. He left behind a suicide note detailing corruption and involving several officials. Indian Rupees (INR) 88 out of 187 crores earmarked for the projects of 2024-25 were transferred to an unauthorized account of the Union Bank of India MG Road branch without the notice of the corporation chairman. On February 26, 2024, the bank transferred INR 187.33 crore from the corporation's account to different accounts with the signatures of the corporation's managing director and accountants. There were further transfers of INR 25 crore on March 4, INR 25 crore on March 6, INR 44 crore on March 21, INR 43.33 crore on March 22, and INR 50 crore on May 21.[2][3]

Nature of the scam

The scam involved misappropriation of approximately ₹94 crore (about US$12 million) by the corporation.[4] The funds were illegally transferred from the corporation's accounts at the Union Bank of India MG Road branch to multiple accounts, some of which were linked to fictitious entities. The fraudulent activity misappropriated funds meant for the development of Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka.[5]

The suicide note

Corporation superintendent Chandrasekaran. P (52) died by suicide on Sunday night at his residence in Kuvempu Nagar, Shimoga. Before dying by suicide, Chandrasekaran wrote a 5-page suicide note against the officials of the corporation saying that there had been an embezzlement of INR 85 crore in the corporation. MD of the corporation JG Padmanabh, accountant Parasurama Durugannavar, and Union Bank manager Shukismita Ravul, mentioned the role of the corporation in the illegal activity.[6][7] "The MD of the corporation has forcibly transferred the grant. We did not understand the intrigue. The Bank passbook and checkbook have not been given to the corporation yet. He also mentioned that the bank manager did not give a proper answer in this regard. I have not cheated the corporation, I have not been involved in malfeasance. No cheating was done. Instead, the money of the corporation is transferred illegally. I have no role in this". He wrote in his suicide note that "the mistake I made under the pressure of work was closing the account's checkbook and cash book."[8][9]

Aftermath

Several top officials, including the corporation's managing director and eight bank officials, have come under scrutiny. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) and is actively investigating the case. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) made several arrests, including those of suspended MDs and accounts officers, as well as persons involved in the creation of fake accounts used in misappropriation.[4]

The scandal led to a major political fallout, with the opposition BJP demanding the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The name of Minister B Nagendra was been mentioned. The minister resigned[10][11]

The SIT froze several bank accounts and is tracking the flow of money to recover the defrauded funds. The investigation revealed that the fraud was perpetrated over some time by systematically siphoning off funds from the corporation's budget earmarked for tribal welfare.[12][13][14]

References

  1. ^ "Valmiki Corporation scam: BJP to hold statewide protest demanding Karnataka CM's resignation". The Economic Times. 2024-06-27. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  2. ^ Yathiraju (2024-07-02). "Karnataka ST Corporation scam: Ex-minister's close aide moved Rs 94.73 cr into accounts of fake firms". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  3. ^ D'Souza, Prajwal. "Valmiki Corporation scam: SIT freezes 197 bank accounts used to transfer money". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  4. ^ a b https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/what-is-valmiki-corpn-scam-that-put-8-bank-executives-under-lens-101717146888572.html
  5. ^ https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/bengaluru-news/cbi-registers-fir-in-karnatakas-valmiki-development-corporation-scam-101717650974312.html
  6. ^ Service, Express News (2024-07-03). "BJP Karnataka to hold executive meeting on July 4, review session to follow". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  7. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2024-05-29). "Valmiki corporation scam: Two officials named in note suspended". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-07-03. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  8. ^ "Karnataka Govt Officer Ends Life, Exposes 'Scam' in Death Note, BJP Seeks Minister's Sacking". News18. 2024-05-28. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  9. ^ K, Nrupathunga S. "Karnataka government officer ends life, uncovers scam in death note". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  10. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2024-07-02). "ST corporation scam: BJP to lay siege to CM's residence seeking his resignation". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-07-03. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  11. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2024-06-06). "Valmiki corporation fraud: Karnataka Minister B. Nagendra resigns". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-07-03. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  12. ^ "Valmiki Corp scam: Police say accused visited bank 5 times to transfer Rs 94 crore". The Times of India. 2024-06-30. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  13. ^ "Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki corporation scam: Govt plans to seize property of accused". The Times of India. 2024-06-15. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  14. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (2024-06-24). "ED begins probe into Valmiki corporation scam". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-07-03. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
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