CBI Seeks Governor's Sanction to Prosecute Minister B. Nagendra in Valmiki Scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation has sought sanction for prosecution from Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot against Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister B. Nagendra in connection with the Valmiki Corporation embezzlement case.

The request comes amid sustained protests by the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal (Secular), who disrupted legislature proceedings in Bengaluru for the fifth consecutive day on Friday demanding the Minister's removal from the Cabinet.

Minister Nagendra faces multiple cases related to the alleged embezzlement of ₹89.63 crore from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. Investigators allege that the funds were illicitly transferred into multiple accounts. Out of the embezzled amount, approximately ₹79 crore has been recovered so far.

Multiple sources confirmed that the Raj Bhavan received the formal communication from the federal investigating agency seeking prosecution sanction. However, sources noted that the Governor has not yet taken a final decision on the matter.

The CBI, which took up the investigation into the Valmiki Corporation scam, has already submitted chargesheets across three First Information Reports in which Nagendra has been named.

Nagendra was previously investigated by the CBI in connection with cases related to iron ore mining in Ballari.