Former Karnataka Waqf Board CEO accused of misappropriating funds; lens also on Tourism Department transactions

The FIR registered on July 6, 2024, states that the Board decided to issue a notice to Zulfiqurulla on March 31, 2022, to explain the matter. However, he allegedly did not respond properly. The issue was then brought to the notice of the secretary of the Minorities Welfare, Haj, and Waqf Department, who permitted the Board to register a criminal case against Zulfiqurulla.

The police have registered a case against Zulfiqurulla under Section 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servants) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

In another case registered at Bagalkot CEN police station, the tourism department has alleged that the staff of IDBI Bank have misappropriated Rs 2.47 crore belonging to the department.

Based on a complaint by Gopal Hittalamani, Deputy Director, Tourism Department, the police have registered a case under Sections 403 (criminal misappropriation of property), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 409 (criminal breach of trust by public servants) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC on July 11.

According to the FIR, Rs 1.01 crore was illegally diverted from three IDBI bank accounts being operated in the name of Bagalkot deputy commissioner and district tourism development committee president. The money was allegedly diverted in 54 transactions between October 2021 and February 2024.

A police officer said the bank does not have any records of these transactions and an investigation is underway.