Representational Image— DC File

BALLARI: More than Rs 16.5 crore meant for farmers as insurance claims for cattle and compensation from the Farmers' Welfare Trust of the KMF Ballari Milk Union was allegedly diverted to the bank accounts of other individuals between 2018 and 2026, according to a police complaint.

An FIR has been registered in connection with this under BNS Sections 316 (2), 318 (4) and 3 (5).
The complaint, filed by N Dhanunjaya Hamal, names six persons, including a former deputy manager who is also a two-time director of the milk union, its managing director and other officials and employees. The police registered a case on October 13 and took up an investigation.

According to the complaint, farmers supplying milk to the Ballari dairy had been insuring their cattle through insurance companies. Under the arrangement, the KMF Ballari Union paid 60 percent of the insurance premium, while farmers bore the remaining 40 percent.

When insured cattle died, the insurance proceeds were to be disbursed to the respective farmers through the milk union. However, the complainant alleged that the accused failed to pay the eligible farmers and instead diverted the insurance proceeds, along with funds from the union's Farmers' Welfare Trust.

The complaint alleges that the money was deposited into the bank accounts of several individuals known to or favoured by the accused.

The FIR names six persons as accused: H Marulasiddappa, retired Deputy Manager of Procurement and Technical and a second-time director of the Ballari Milk Union, S Sudarshana Reddy, Managing Director of the KMF Ballari Union, Venkatesh Jawali, Deputy Manager of Administration and Projects, Shambhukumar, a veterinary doctor, Hanumanta Gowda, Deputy Manager (F&F), and Umamaheshwari, an accounts assistant, along with others.

The FIR also mentions the names of those whose accounts allegedly received the money.


Tags: