Karnataka HC Stays FIR Against ED Officials in Maharshi Valmiki Scam Investigation

The Karnataka High Court has stayed an FIR against two ED officials probing a multi-crore scam at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd. The court cited potential abuse of law. The officials were accused of coercion by a Karnataka Social Welfare Department official.

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday issued a stay on the FIR against two Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials who are investigating the multi-crore scam at the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd. Justice M Nagaprasanna granted the stay, highlighting the potential misuse of the law against officers performing their duties.

The Bengaluru police had charged the officials following a complaint by Additional Director of the Karnataka Social Welfare Department, Kallesh B. He alleged that the ED coerced him during questioning to implicate former Minister B Nagendra and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the financial irregularities of the state-run Corporation. The ED's representation by Additional Solicitor General Aravind Kamat stressed that the officers were acting within their official capacity. Justice Nagaprasanna expressed concern that such investigations could hinder officers from fulfilling their duties, likening the actions to 'innovative filmy style ideas' and cautioning against opening a 'Pandora's Box.'

Kallesh further accused an ED official named Murali Kannan and another officer only identified as Mittal of threatening him. He claimed that Mittal told him to implicate the Chief Minister, Nagendra, and the Finance Department to gain the ED's support. The two officials were booked for criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The court has adjourned the hearing to August 21.

(With inputs from agencies.)