Mining baron and former minister G Janardhana Reddy laundered 100 crores of untaxed money ahead of his daughter’s internationally-headlined wedding last month, a driver in Karnataka has alleged in a note left behind after he killed himself yesterday.
The driver, identified as KC Ramesh, worked for a government official, who, according to the suicide note, assisted Mr Reddy in his money-laundering for a 20 percent commission. Mr Gowda alleges that his life was in danger because he knew of the details of the conspiracy.
A police case has been filed against the official, Bheema Nayak, for abetment of suicide. Another driver working for the official has also been named in the case. “This is a serious allegation, the government must look into it,” said the BJP’s Sidharth Nath Singh.
Karnataka is governed by the Congress. Mr Reddy was a minister in the BJP government of BS Yeddyurappa; he was removed after corruption charges in 2011.
Last month, Mr Reddy held a jaw-dropping reception for his daughter which was attended by top Congress and BJP leaders. Estimates of the costs for the function – which included replicas of famous temples and 50,000 guests – varied from 30 to 500 crores.
The event was raised in parliament by politicians who asked how Mr Reddy was able to make legitimate payments in the midst of the crippling cash crunch that has followed the government’s abrupt demonetisation drive.
Tax officials have asked Mr Reddy and vendors who he hired to explain the costs and payments.
