Karnataka Rashtra Samithi Party raises questions over investigation, alleges Police links to accused

Mysuru: Expressing doubts over the pace of the investigation into the Rs. 500 crore gold investment scam involving Soundar Raj alias Chinnathambi, the Karnataka Rashtra Samithi (KRS) Party has demanded that the probe be handed over to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a judicial commission.

On June 8, KRS State Working Committee member S. Nagendra complained to the Joint Director of the ED’s Bengaluru Zonal Office and sought registration of an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) and an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The complaint seeks action against Chinnathambi, his business entities, ATJ Gold, Dhanaganapathi Finance, SDJ Gold and STG Gold and against any public servants involved in the scam.

Police-accused collusion alleged

Addressing a press conference at Patrakarthara Bhavan this morning, KRS Organisational Secretary and advocate Ravikumar alleged that the ongoing investigation by the City Crime Branch (CCB) was inadequate and raised concerns over alleged collusion between certain Police personnel and the prime accused.

Stating that the case was initially registered by Kuvempunagar Police before being transferred to the CCB, Ravikumar alleged that the charges framed against Chinnathambi appeared diluted and could weaken the case.

He further claimed that attempts to obtain information about the progress of the investigation from the City Police Commissioner had not yielded satisfactory responses. Senior officials from outside the Police Department should monitor the probe to ensure transparency, he said.

ED complaint

According to Ravikumar, the complaint urges the ED to conduct a forensic audit of bank accounts linked to the accused and associated entities over the past decade, analyse call detail records and mobile tower locations to identify alleged links with public officials and provisionally attach movable, immovable and benami assets under provisions of the PMLA.

Quoting the complaint, he alleged that despite more than 600 complaints from investors, the Police had registered only four FIRs, thereby portraying a large-scale financial fraud as a civil dispute.

Ravikumar also alleged that some complainants received calls from representatives of Chinnathambi’s firms seeking a compromise soon after approaching the CCB to lodge complaints.

“How are the firms able to contact complainants immediately after they approach the Police? Is this possible without information being shared?” he questioned.

KRS Mysuru District President R. Nagaraj, Women’s Wing General Secretary R. Chandrakala, City Unit President Raveendra and one of the victims from Tumakuru Jayamma, were present at the press conference.