Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa Assures Justice for Victim's Family in Maharishi Valmiki Corporation Issue

Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa assures justice for the victim's family in the Maharishi Valmiki Corporation issue.

The minister stated that the state government would assist the family in obtaining justice for the victim.

Karnataka Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa visited the residence of Chandrasekhar, an official of Maharishi Valmiki Corporation, who died by suicide after leaving a note alleging multi-crore corruption in the corporation.

The minister stated that the state government would assist the family in obtaining justice for the victim.

"I visited Chandrasekhar's residence as per the instruction of the Chief Minister. The government has stated that it will provide whatever assistance is necessary and ensure justice. I will cooperate fully with the government and do whatever is required from my end," Bangarappa informed reporters after meeting the family.

"Such incidents should not occur. The investigation is ongoing, and we should allow it to proceed. Those responsible for wrongdoing should be held accountable," he added.

Meanwhile, the Crime Investigation Department inspected Chandrasekaran's residence on Wednesday.

During evidence verification, Chandrasekaran's bag was discovered. Inside the bag, a pen drive, laptop, and other items were found. His wife, Kavitha, mentioned that the name of MD Padmanabhan of Valmiki Corporation was on the pen drive.

When the family members inquired about the contents of the pen drive, the officers did not show it. Instead, they informed the family that they needed to come to the police station after half an hour to sign the confiscated items.

The actions of the authorities raised suspicion among Chandrasekaran's family members.

Earlier, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar stated that the Home Minister and Chief Minister had already ordered an inquiry. He emphasized that whoever is responsible will be punished.

"We have received the death note. The Home Minister and Chief Minister have already ordered an inquiry, and we take it seriously to investigate. Whoever is responsible will be punished," he said.

Chandrasekaran (45), a resident of Kenchappa colony in Vinobanagar, was an officer of Maharishi Valmiki Development Corporation and was employed at the Bengaluru Office.

Chandrasekaran allegedly left a six-page suicide note before taking his own life on Sunday evening. In the note, he named three officials and exposed a multi-crore corruption scandal. A case has been filed at the Vinobanagar police station regarding this matter.

"My death was caused by officials of the corporation. The Managing Director of the Corporation, JG Padmanabha, Account Manager Parasuram Durgannavar, and Union Bank Chief Manager Suchismitha. Valmiki has unlawfully embezzled ₹80 to 85 crores from the corporation's funds. I am not involved in this matter. However, due to work pressure, it was my oversight not to obtain the checkbook for the said account and close the cash book. I am not responsible for this scam. Therefore, action should be taken against the culpable officials," Chandrasekaran wrote in his suicide note.

Chandrasekaran's suicide has ignited a fierce political dispute in the state, with the BJP directing criticism at the state government.

Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra called for a transparent investigation into the officer's death. "The reported suicide of an official involved in a massive corruption scandal worth ₹187 crore in the Valmiki Development Corporation has exposed the rampant corruption under the @INCKarnataka government. Projects are being undertaken solely for the sake of commissions, while development efforts languish. It is uncertain how many more lives will be lost due to this cycle of corruption," he stated on X.

"It is deeply unfortunate that Congress leaders, who often deliver impassioned speeches about the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Tribes, are at the forefront of the corruption occurring under the guise of Scheduled Castes and Tribes. The Minister of Scheduled Tribes Welfare @BNagendraINC should be immediately dismissed from the cabinet. I urge for a transparent investigation into the officer's death," the BJP leader added.