Bengaluru: The Congress government has been jolted by an explosive corruption scandal after a damning video proved that Bhovi Development Corporation Chairman Ravikumar was involved in demanding percentages from beneficiaries. The video, recorded at Kumarakrupa Guest House, shows clear discussions of money collection, acreage allocation, and percentage cuts, leaving no room for denial.
The controversy has forced Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to instruct Ravikumar’s resignation, a move widely seen as damage control after the exposure of blatant misuse of an institution meant for the upliftment of marginalized sections.
Proof of corruption caught on camera
The video, released publicly by Bhovi community leader Venkatesh Maurya at Patrika Bhavan, has left political circles rattled. It contains unambiguous conversations between Ravikumar and a woman broker. In the footage, the broker is heard saying she collected money directly from beneficiaries and handed it to Ravikumar.
Further, discussions in the video clearly establish that crores of rupees were being calculated and shared. References are made to a Rs 15 crore deal, acreage distribution, and a 40%–60% split, indicating that beneficiaries were systematically fleeced for what should have been free or welfare-linked allocations.
“This is not an allegation anymore it is proof,” Maurya thundered at the press conference. “Our community’s development funds have been reduced to private loot. This betrayal cannot be forgiven.”
Siddaramaiah’s decisive move
As soon as the video became public, Ravikumar rushed to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to defend himself. However, the CM reportedly showed little patience. Without even listening to detailed explanations, Siddaramaiah is said to have bluntly ordered him to resign immediately.
Congress insiders said the Chief Minister wanted to project zero tolerance toward corruption, especially when proof of wrongdoing was undeniable. “There was nothing left to explain. The video evidence was crystal clear. The CM had no choice but to sack him,” a senior Congress functionary admitted.
Political storm and opposition attacks
The video leak has turned into a political bombshell. BJP leaders accused Siddaramaiah’s government of running what they call a “percentage raj,” claiming that commissions, kickbacks, and bribes are the standard operating procedure in corporations under Congress control.
“Every corporation, every board has become a marketplace for deals. The Bhovi Corporation scam is only one example of the loot happening in the name of community development,” BJP MLA C.T. Ravi said in Bengaluru.
JD(S) too demanded a judicial probe into the scandal. “This is daylight robbery of public money. Congress must be ashamed that a corporation created for the poorest of the poor has been reduced to a private money-minting agency,” said party leader H.D. Kumaraswamy.
Outrage within the Bhovi community
The scandal has deeply angered Bhovi community leaders, who feel betrayed by those entrusted with their welfare. Venkatesh Maurya, who released the video, demanded that Ravikumar be booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
“Our people trusted this corporation to improve their lives. Instead, its chairman was openly calculating crores and percentages with a broker. This is a shameful betrayal of the Bhovi community,” Maurya said.
Community organisations have now warned of large-scale protests if the government fails to order a full-fledged investigation.
Political observers argue that this case has exposed a systemic malaise in Karnataka’s caste-based development corporations. These institutions, designed to channel funds for marginalized communities, have long been criticized for being turned into political fiefdoms. Chairmen are often political appointees, and allegations of bribes, inflated contracts, and “cut money” practices are routine.
“This video simply confirms what many already suspected: that development corporations have become hubs of corruption rather than engines of social justice,” said political analyst Prof. S. Shankar.
The exposure has now sparked calls for an independent audit of all caste-based corporations to ensure transparency and accountability.
