Sat Sep 28 17:38:46 UTC 2024: ## Bengaluru Police File FIR Against Finance Minister Sitharaman Over Electoral Bonds Scheme

**Bengaluru, India:** A FIR has been registered against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, unnamed Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, and BJP leaders, including former state president, for alleged extortion and criminal conspiracy through the electoral bonds scheme.

The complaint was filed by activist Adarsh Iyer of a local NGO, Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath (JSP), who alleges that the accused extorted funds to the tune of Rs 8,000 crore from corporates by threatening ED action. The complaint cites the case of Sterlite and Vedanta companies, which were subjected to multiple ED raids and subsequently purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 230.15 crore.

The Thilaknagar police registered the FIR under Sections 384 and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code, following a court order in response to Iyer’s private complaint. The complaint highlights concerns previously raised by the Supreme Court regarding the transparency of the electoral bonds scheme.

This development follows a similar FIR filed against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for alleged corruption in a land deal, prompting calls for his resignation from the opposition BJP. The Congress party is expected to retaliate by demanding the resignation of Finance Minister Sitharaman.

The filing of these FIRs highlights growing concerns over corruption and transparency in political funding mechanisms in India, and the potential for misuse of power through agencies like the ED.

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