Keywords: Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP, Bengaluru Police, CID, electoral bonds, FIR, criminal investigation, BJP leaders, extortion, conspiracy

The Bengaluru Police are deliberating on transferring the case against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and several BJP leaders to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), pending approval from the court. The case concerns alleged irregularities in electoral bonds and has gained significant attention due to its financial implications and political sensitivity.

On September 27, a special court for elected representatives directed the Tilak Nagar police to file a First Information Report (FIR) and initiate an investigation against Sitharaman and BJP leaders, including BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, senior leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, and others. This comes after a private complaint was filed by Adarsh R. Iyer, co-president of the Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath (JSP), who accused the leaders of criminal conspiracy and extortion in relation to the misuse of electoral bonds.

Following the court’s order, an FIR was registered the next day, citing Sections 384 (extortion), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case alleges irregularities involving ₹8,000 crore or more.

Given the interstate ramifications and the complexity of the investigation, the Tilak Nagar police are considering transferring the case to the CID, a move that would require court approval. Sources within the police department revealed that Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Sara Fathima chaired a meeting with senior officers to evaluate the case’s gravity and the potential need for CID involvement.

The source explained that typically, such cases are referred to the CID by the state police chief, but since the court has placed the responsibility on the local police, any transfer would require judicial approval. The Tilak Nagar Station House Officer (SHO) is expected to make a formal request within the next few days, routing it through the DCP.

The case involves allegations that political entities were compelled to purchase electoral bonds in favour of the BJP, a move which the complainant describes as a form of extortion. The potential transfer to the CID underscores the seriousness of the charges and the financial scale involved, with more updates expected as the court reviews the police’s request.

For more updates on legal and political developments, follow Kanishk Social Media, your source for the latest insights into India’s political and judicial affairs.