Bengaluru police may transfer the electoral bonds case against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and BJP leaders to the CID. A special court has ordered an FIR based on corruption allegations.
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BENGALURU: The Bengaluru police are contemplating seeking court approval to transfer the case against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). This case is centered around alleged irregularities involving the now-scrapped electoral bonds scheme. The move comes after a special court directed the police to file an FIR and initiate an investigation into the matter.
On September 27, a special court, dealing with cases involving elected representatives, ordered the Tilak Nagar police to file an FIR based on a complaint alleging criminal misconduct and corruption by Sitharaman and several prominent BJP figures. These include BJP Karnataka chief B Y Vijayendra and senior leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, alongside Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and other party office bearers.
Following the court’s directive, the FIR was promptly registered on September 28, citing various IPC sections, including Section 384 (extortion), Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), and Section 34 (acts done by multiple individuals with a common intention).
A senior police source revealed that authorities are currently discussing the possibility of transferring the case to the CID, due to the complex nature of the allegations.
“Discussions are ongoing to obtain court approval for transferring the case to the CID.”
– said the source.
Sara Fathima, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), chaired a key meeting with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Mico Layout subdivision) and the inspector of Tilak Nagar police station. During the meeting, the officials evaluated the gravity of the case, its interstate implications, and the large sums involved, which amount to over Rs.8,000 crore, according to the complainant.
“Given the interstate implications and the seriousness of the allegations, officials considered approaching the court to request the case be transferred to the CID.”
-the source added.
Ordinarily, cases of such magnitude are referred to the CID by the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), following the recommendation of senior investigating officers. However, in this instance, the court’s direct intervention in ordering the filing of an FIR has placed responsibility on the Tilak Nagar Station House Officer (SHO).
“Typically, cases are referred to the CID by the state police chief through a senior officer handling the matter. However, in this instance, the court ordered the filing of an FIR and assigned the investigation to the Tilak Nagar SHO, making court approval essential for any changes in the case.”
– the source elaborated.
Given the scale of the alleged financial irregularities, which exceed Rs.8,000 crore, there is a growing consensus that the local police may find it difficult to effectively investigate the case. Therefore, the decision to transfer the investigation is likely to occur within the next few days.
“The Tilak Nagar SHO will route the request through the DCP (Southeast), and it is most likely to happen in one or two days,”
– the source confirmed.
The case originated from a private complaint filed by Adarsh R Iyer, co-president of the Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath (JSP), who alleged criminal conspiracy, extortion, and misuse of the electoral bond scheme for BJP’s benefit. The allegations suggest that the scheme was used to coerce entities and individuals into purchasing bonds, resulting in financial gains of over Rs.8,000 crore for the party.
According to the FIR, Nirmala Sitharaman and the others implicated are accused of being part of a broader conspiracy to extort funds through the electoral bonds. The complainant claims that this extortionist racket, allegedly led by the BJP leaders, caused significant financial losses and violated democratic principles.
In response to the unfolding developments, the Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the BJP, demanding the resignation of Nirmala Sitharaman. Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Abhishek Singhvi held a press conference, accusing the Union Finance Minister of “undermining democracy” and calling for a comprehensive investigation into the scandal.
Ramesh, in a sharp critique, stated-
“The finance minister should immediately resign as she is ‘guilty’ politically, legally, and morally.”
The opposition’s demand for her resignation has escalated tensions between the two parties, as the Congress continues to press for a probe into the alleged misuse of the electoral bonds.
Further, the Congress party has renewed its call for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation through a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The opposition insists that only an impartial and thorough probe will ensure accountability.
“The larger issue is the level playing field which is necessary for free and fair polls. Free and fair polls are critical for democracy. This is an attack on our democratic system,”
-said Abhishek Singhvi during the press conference.
Singhvi also expressed concern over the larger implications of the scheme on electoral fairness. He termed it the “EBS – Extortionist BJP Scheme,” adding that the BJP’s actions have undermined the core principles of democracy.
“The Finance Minister couldn’t have acted alone. We are aware of who holds the top positions, and this was carried out under their instructions.”
-Singhvi said, further hinting at higher-level involvement within the BJP’s ranks.
The controversy around the electoral bonds scheme is not new. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court struck down the scheme, stating that it posed a threat to free and fair elections. The apex court ruled that the scheme violated essential rights, such as the right to information and freedom of speech. The ruling sparked widespread debate on electoral transparency and political funding in India.
With the current investigation, the spotlight is once again on the electoral bond system, with many questioning its potential for misuse. The allegations of extortion under the guise of this system have further fueled political tensions, with the opposition rallying for a deeper probe into BJP’s financial dealings.
