Senior BJP leader R. Ashoka accused the Karnataka government of a Rs 225 crore fraud under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, calling it “state-sponsored cybercrime.” He demanded a CBI and central cybercrime agencies investigation into the matter. Ashoka claimed that beneficiary data and financial transactions were manipulated systematically, criticizing Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for his silence on the issue.
The alleged irregularities were revealed through a “data dump” analysis, not routine audits, according to Ashoka. He stated that software algorithms were tampered with to transfer funds to deceased beneficiaries’ accounts and the same bank accounts repeatedly. The BJP leader highlighted patterns suggesting digital manipulation and potential money laundering in the operation.
Ashoka further alleged that beneficiary accounts were frequently changed over two years, some reactivated after months, and others receiving payments intermittently. He raised concerns about missing digital data on deceased beneficiaries and questioned potential alterations or deletions of cyber logs. Accusing officials and political leaders of complicity, Ashoka emphasized the need for an independent investigation into the serious cybercrime allegations.
