Sat Sep 28 16:58:34 UTC 2024: ## Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Named in FIR Over Alleged Extortion Through Electoral Bonds

**BENGALURU:** A police FIR has been registered against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, and Karnataka BJP leaders, including state president BY Vijayendra, on Saturday afternoon.

The FIR was filed at the Thilaknagar police station following a court order, based on a private complaint by Adarsh R Iyer, Co-President of Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath (JSP). Iyer alleges that the accused have extorted money through the use of electoral bonds, benefiting to the tune of 8,000 crores or more.

The complaint accuses Sitharaman of using the ED to conduct raids, seizures, and arrests of corporates, coercing them into purchasing electoral bonds worth crores out of fear. Iyer claims the entire operation was orchestrated in collusion with BJP officials at various levels.

The FIR includes sections 384 (extortion) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint also names several companies allegedly forced into purchasing electoral bonds after ED actions.

This case stems from a private complaint filed by Iyer in April 2024, after he claims the Thilaknagar police and DCP (South East) failed to take action on his initial complaints in March and April.

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