Karnataka HC orders CBI probe into Valmiki ST Development scam
Bengaluru, Jul 1 (PTI): The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday ordered a comprehensive probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam.
Previously, the CBI's role in the case was confined to examining limited irregularities.
However, the High Court has now directed a full-fledged investigation, requiring the state's Special Investigation Team (SIT) to transfer all case-related documents and evidence to the central agency.
The case involves serious allegations of embezzlement of funds earmarked for the welfare of tribal communities.
In June, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out multiple raids under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) at locations associated with Congress MP E Tukaram from Bellary and three Karnataka MLAs.
The searches were part of a larger probe into the suspected diversion of funds by the Valmiki Corporation.
Investigators believe that substantial amounts were illicitly withdrawn from the Corporation's accounts and funneled into bogus bank accounts, before being laundered through shell companies.
The ED has also alleged that a portion of the transferred funds was used in the Bellary constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Founded in 2006, the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation was established to implement developmental schemes aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Tribe communities in the state.
The ongoing investigation builds on earlier FIRs lodged by both the Karnataka Police and the CBI, focusing on the suspected misuse of public funds meant for these welfare initiatives.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
