Union Bank files complaint to CBI over fraudulent transactions

BENGALURU: The Union Bank of India filed a complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over alleged financial irregularities in its M.G. road branch of Bengaluru city in the accounts of the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited, a Government of Karnataka undertaking.

The State Government has handed over the alleged fraudulent transactions case to sleuths of Criminal Investigation Department (CID). In a release here, Union Bank officials stated that three branch officials have been placed under suspension over their alleged involvement pending inquiry and the case has been handed over to CBI for a thorough and swift identification of the culprits.

The fraudulent transactions at the Bank came to light after accounts superintendent of Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited allegedly committed suicide on Sunday evening and he left behind a death note in which he alleged Managing Duirector of the Corporation J.G. Padmanabha, accounts officer Parashuram Duggannavar and Union Bank of India Chief Manager Suchismita Rawal as persons responsible.

The deceased Chandrashekar had alleged that the Minister for Scheduled Tribes Welfare B. Nagendra under whom the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Limited falls, had given oral instructions on transfer of funds.

Later, the Minister admitted Rs 87-crore scam in the Corporation but stated that he would not resign since he had no role in the alleged transactions.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party, Karnataka unit has pressed for the investigation by CBI sleuths into the alleged fraudulent transactions in the Valmiki Corporation and also sought the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and arrest of Minister B. Nagendra.

BJP leader and former minister C.T. Ravi on Friday stated that any frauds more than Rs 10 crore would make sleuths of CBI to take over the case for investigation and suspected that the State Government ‘tampering with the evidence’ in the case.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Dr C. Ashwathnarayan at a press conference sought the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah owing moral responsibility in the fraudulent transactions case and immediate arrest of Minister B. Nagendra.