FIR Filed Against Nirmala Sitharaman in Extortion Case

A Bengaluru court has ordered the registration of an FIR against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over allegations of extortion through electoral bonds. This complaint was filed by Adarsh Iyer from the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane, accusing Sitharaman and others of extortion.

Following the order, the Special Court for People’s Representatives directed the police to file an FIR in this matter. In February, the Supreme Court had scrapped the electoral bonds scheme, declaring it “unconstitutional” and stating that it violated citizens’ right to information.

The electoral bonds scheme, introduced by the central government in 2018, aimed to replace cash donations to political parties and bring transparency to political funding.

Reacting to the case, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah demanded Nirmala Sitharaman’s resignation and insisted that the investigation be completed within three months.

“An FIR has been registered against Nirmala Sitharaman in the Special Court for People’s Representatives. Who is she? She is a Union Minister, and there is an FIR against her. They were involved in extortion through electoral bonds, and the FIR has been registered on that basis. She should resign after the FIR has been filed. Will the BJP ask her to resign?” Siddaramaiah questioned.

He further stated that under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the investigation must be completed within three months, and a report must be submitted. Section 17A provides additional protection for public servants, mandating prior approval from a competent authority before investigating a public servant for alleged corruption.

“In my case, the lower court passed an order, and the Governor ordered an inquiry under Section 17A. The court directed that the investigation be completed, and a report should be submitted within three months,” Siddaramaiah added.

Notably, Siddaramaiah himself will also be investigated under Section 17A in connection with alleged irregularities in the MUDA case.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah also demanded the resignation of JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, accusing him of corruption.

“First, let Kumaraswamy resign. Shouldn’t he tender his resignation as well? Let them resign first. Even PM (Narendra) Modi should resign. In the election bond extortion case, PM Modi should also resign. Nirmala Sitharaman should resign too. Kumaraswamy is out on bail and should resign,” he said.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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