BENGALURU: A key figure in the Rs 94-crore Scheduled Tribes (ST) fund scam purchased a used Lamborghini for Rs 3.3 crore from a Hyderabad auto dealer using funds intended for the development of Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka. This extravagant purchase was short-lived as authorities quickly traced the money trail, seized the vehicle, and returned it to the dealer, recovering the Rs 3.3 crore.
According to sources, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested 36-year-old Satyanarayana Varma in Hyderabad on June 13. In addition to the car, the police seized Rs 8.2 crore belonging to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation Ltd.
During interrogation, Varma admitted to buying the Lamborghini for Rs 3.3 crore. SIT officials verified this claim with the car dealer, though they did not disclose the model or other details of the vehicle.
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The SIT is continuing its investigation into the scam involving the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd. B Nagendra, a former Karnataka minister, resigned in early June following allegations of fund diversion, which reportedly took place in March-April.
