In a startling development, a non-bailable arrest warrant has been issued against GM Kumar, the current head of BTV Kannada, a local news channel, in connection with a high-profile money laundering case. The warrant comes almost a year after serious allegations were leveled against GM Kumar and his associate, Kumar Ravi Kumar Narayana, who serves as the Crime Bureau chief of BTV Kannada.
GM Kumar stands accused of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and fraud. The allegations revolve around the embezzlement of crores of rupees through fraudulent cheques. Consequently, a case of money laundering has been registered against the channel’s top executives, with reports indicating that the Enforcement Directorate has also issued a directive in this regard.
The legal proceedings have been marred by various inconsistencies, raising concerns about the integrity of the investigation. An FIR was initially filed against GM Kumar in August 2022 at the Vijayanagar police station on charges of absconding. Shockingly, it is alleged that the BTV Kannada team resorted to intimidation tactics, including the use of abusive language and threats, in an attempt to derail the investigation and pressure the police officials into dropping the case. Reports suggest that they even threatened to orchestrate a sting operation against the officers involved.
After much delay, a charge sheet (Charge no. 92-2022) was finally filed against GM Kumar on May 17, 2023. However, further complications arose when the Bengaluru West DCP, Laxman Nimbargi, reportedly intervened to prevent action from being taken against GM Kumar. It is believed that the DCP offered an excuse to the concerned SHO, citing health grounds.
As of now, GM Kumar remains at large, with a non-bailable arrest warrant hanging over him.
