Wed Apr 09 15:34:21 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Governor Clears Prosecution of Ex-Minister in Valmiki Corporation Scam

**Bengaluru, April 9, 2025** – The Governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot, has approved the prosecution of former Scheduled Tribes Welfare Minister B. Nagendra in connection with the Valmiki Corporation scam. This decision follows a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in September 2024, which named Mr. Nagendra as the primary accused. The ED’s investigation alleges the diversion of ₹89.62 crore of corporation funds into fake accounts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, allegedly at Mr. Nagendra’s behest. These funds were then allegedly laundered and used to finance the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Ballari.

The court will now take cognizance of the chargesheet and proceed with framing charges against the former minister. However, a twist in the case comes from the Karnataka State Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), which investigated the scam initially. The SIT’s chargesheet did not include Mr. Nagendra as an accused, offering a potential defense for the former minister. Sources close to Mr. Nagendra express hope that the discrepancy between the ED and SIT findings will aid his defense.

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