CBI to probe multi-crore scam by three coop banks in Karnataka: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru, Dec 2: The Central Bureau of Investigation will probe into the financial irregularities that took place in three cooperative banks in Karnataka, the state government said on Saturday.
In a post on 'X', Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said: "It has been approved to hand over the scams of Guru Raghavendra Cooperative Bank, Vasishtha Bank and Guru Sovereign Bank to the CBI."
Thousands of depositors had invested their lifetime savings in the bank, keeping their dreams like marriage of children, buying their own house as a basis for their retirement life. All of them are clueless about their future life due to bankers' fraud, the chief minister said.
"Even when I was the Leader of the Opposition earlier, I was vocal inside and outside the House and participated in protests to get justice for the defrauded depositors. Even then, it was our insistence that this case should be investigated by CBI," he stated.
"I have seen the frustration and suffering from those who have lost their deposit money. For this reason, I am handing over the case to the CBI with the intention of conducting a proper investigation and getting justice for all the victims," he added.
The government order said, "Government of Karnataka hereby accords sanction to the Central Bureau of Investigation, under Section (6) of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act,1946..."
The CBI will investigate the multi-crore fraud committed by the directors, chief executives and staff members of the management board of Sri Guru Raghavendra Co-operative Bank Limited, Bengaluru, Sri Vasista Credit Souharda Co-operative Limited, Bengaluru and Sri Guru Sarvabahuma Souharda Credit Co-operative, Bengaluru, the order said.
The agency will identify and investigate persons involved in connection with the alleged fraud.
Concerned officers and others have been asked to hand over the data, information and records as and when required by the CBI and provide place, resources, manpower and logistic support including Camp Office and vehicles to CBI in connection with the case, the order said.
Thousands of investors had time and again staged protests seeking justice but to no avail.
ಗುರು ರಾಘವೇಂದ್ರ ಕೋ ಆಪರೇಟಿವ್ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್, ವಸಿಷ್ಠ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ ಮತ್ತು ಗುರು ಸಾರ್ವಭೌಮ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕ್ಗಳ ಹಗರಣವನ್ನು ಸಿಬಿಐ ತನಿಖೆಗೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಸಲು ಅನುಮೋದನೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದೆ.
— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) December 2, 2023
ಸಾವಿರಾರು ಮಂದಿ ಠೇವಣಿದಾರರು ತಮ್ಮ ನಿವೃತ್ತಿ ಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ಆಧಾರವಾಗಲೆಂದು, ಮಕ್ಕಳ ಮದುವೆ, ಸ್ವಂತ ಮನೆ ಖರೀದಿ ಮುಂತಾದ ಕನಸುಗಳನ್ನು ಇಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡು ತಮ್ಮ ಜೀವಮಾನದ…
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
