A significant financial scandal has surfaced within the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), reportedly surpassing the infamous Valmiki Corporation scam in scale. Sources indicate that funds from BBMP’s welfare department were illicitly diverted to fictitious societies, revealing a scheme allegedly involving crores of rupees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An official complaint has been lodged with the Lokayukta concerning these fraudulent transactions, which are believed to have occurred between 2020 and 2021 in BBMP’s western zone. The complaint targets nine officials from the finance department, accused of orchestrating the illegal transfers to non-existent cooperatives and societies.
In response to the allegations, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath acknowledged an ongoing internal inquiry into the matter. He highlighted the corporation’s cooperation with the Lokayukta’s demand for a comprehensive report. Girinath affirmed the readiness to facilitate further investigations if the initial findings fail to satisfy the Lokayukta’s scrutiny.
The complaint alleges misappropriation of around Rs. 102 crores, purportedly earmarked for welfare initiatives benefiting marginalized communities including Dalits, minorities, backward classes, disabled individuals, and widows. Sources have implicated officials like Subesh, S.S. Devaki, B. Gayatri, G.N. Subbaramaiah, SV Giriappa, N. Geetha, Kumari Kusuma, Linganna Gundalli, and Sathyamurthy in the financial misconduct.
