IMA Ponzi scam: Rs 2.5 crore seized from arrested IAS officer

News Network

July 13, 2019

Bengaluru, Jul 13: The special investigation team probing the alleged Ponzi scam run by I Monetary Advisory (IMA) recovered Rs 2.5 crore cash from IAS officer and former Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner BM Vijay Shankar, who was arrested last week.

According to a press release issued by the SIT, the recovered money includes the bribe amount Shankar took from IMA founder-owner Mohammed Mansoor Khan. “The remaining Rs 1 crore was also taken in the form of bribe. Shankar had given the entire Rs 2.5 crore to a city-based builder, saying he’d purchase an apartment and a piece of land,” the SIT press note said.

“The case of bribery by the accused — former DC Vijay Shankar and former AC LC Nagaraj — will be handed over to the Anti-Corruption Bureau for further investigation,” the release added.

Later in the day, SIT produced Shankar, Nagaraj, nominated corporator Mujahid and village accountant Manjunath before a local court, which remanded them in 14-day judicial custody at Central Prison. Following the court orders, the four accused were taken to the prison in Parappana Agrahara.

When SIT sleuths produced the quartet inside the packed court hall, Shankar hesitated to stand in the accused box. However, SIT sleuths forced him inside the box, where he stood with the three others. He broke down when the judge announced the decision to hand him and others to judicial custody. Shankar’s advocates tried to console him but in vain, sources said.

Investigations revealed Mansoor Khan had paid Rs 1.5 crore as advance to a company to jointly bid for constructing a dozen skywalks in the city. They had already constructed three skywalks. “The advance was made in the form of a demand draft to the company. Now, the company has returned the same DD and we have confiscated it,” the release read.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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