Valmiki Corpn scam: Former minister Nagendra to be released from jail today after court grants bail

BENGALURU: Former minister B Nagendra, who was arrested in connection with the multi-crore scam in the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation, has been granted bail. He is likely to be released from jail today.

Nagendra was in judicial custody at Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The Special Court for elected representatives had granted Nagendra interim bail in the case on Monday evening. The court has set conditions for Nagendra’s release, including a bond of Rs 2 lakh, two sureties, and mandatory attendance at investigations.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had arrested Nagendra on July 12 after questioning him for seven hours.  According to the ED chargesheet, funds from the Valmiki Corporation were used for the election expenditure for the Ballari candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and Nagendra’s personal expenses.

Vijay Kumar Gowda handled cash transactions on Nagendra’s instructions, and details of election expenses were retrieved from Gowda’s mobile phone. After the scam came to light, Nagendra resigned and destroyed his mobile phones. The ED stated that further investigation is under way.