After searches on Karnataka Congress MLA in land scam case, ED reports ‘corruption’ in KOMUL milk co-operative recruitment

The Kolar police registered the case against the Congress MLA after a court order in October 2022 concerning a private complaint by social activist K C Rajanna.

“During the search action, 14 premises linked to the accused persons were covered and till now more than Rs 25 lakh cash, documents related to movable and immovable properties worth more than Rs 50 crore, various incriminating documents and digital data has been recovered/seized,” the ED said in a statement.

The investigating agency added, “It was noticed that the recruitment committee of KOMUL chaired by K Y Nanje Gowda and consisting of four other members completely manipulated the interview process. According to the board’s decision, orders were issued to the selected candidates and they were sent to training without making the final result public.”

“During search and seizure action, it was admitted by the directors of the KOMUL and members of the recruitment committee that seats were sold for money ranging between Rs 20 to 30 lakhs per seat. Further, it is also gathered that certain politicians have referred their candidates for selection and a total of 30 such references were accommodated… It was also noticed that KY Nanje Gowda being the head of the recruitment committee is actively and directly involved in the sale of seats and manipulation of interview marks. Further investigation is under progress,” the ED further said in its statement.

Following the searches, Nanjegowda alleged that he was being targeted by political rivals.