Nagendra appears before ED in tribal welfare scam case

Bengaluru: Former Minister B. Nagendra appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Bengaluru on Monday in connection with the alleged Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam, after the agency issued a notice summoning him for questioning.

Nagendra appeared before the ED officials at the agency’s office in Bengaluru’s Jalahalli. According to officials, the ED has summoned him to gather further information following the filing of a chargesheet in the case. The questioning is expected to focus on alleged money laundering, financial transactions and bank accounts linked to the case.

The agency is also likely to examine Nagendra’s statements in the context of the evidence gathered during its investigation. Sources said the ED is likely to file an additional chargesheet in the case after completing further investigation.

Nagendra had resigned as the Minister following sustained protests by the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular over his alleged involvement in the scam.

The ED had earlier arrested Nagendra in connection with the case, and he subsequently spent around three months in jail before being granted bail. Officials said the possibility of his arrest during Monday’s questioning was low, as Nagendra is currently out on bail.