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Investigators believe that substantial amounts were illicitly withdrawn from the Corporation's accounts and funneled into bogus bank accounts, before being laundered through shell companies.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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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
