Enforcement Directorate carried out searches in places linked to four MLAs and MP in Karnataka
ED raids MP, four MLAs in Karnataka linked to ‘Valmiki’ money-laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids across eight locations on Wednesday as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to the alleged Valmiki scam, involving the misuse of tribal welfare funds.
Targets included residences of Ballari MP E Tukaram and four Karnataka Congress MLAs – Nara Bharath Reddy (Ballari City), J N Ganesh (Kampli), N T Srinivas (Kudligi), and B Nagendra (Ballari Rural).
According to the ED, these searches aim to uncover the diversion of funds from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation. The probe alleges that certain tribal welfare resources were rerouted to finance the Lok Sabha election campaign of the Congress party.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah welcomed the ED action, stating the government will not hinder lawful institutions and will fully cooperate with the investigation.
This operation deepens the scrutiny into political corruption tied to welfare schemes, as the ED intensifies efforts to trace illicit monetary channels and hold accountable those allegedly involved.