Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation Chairperson says he will resign in view of allegations of corruption

Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation Chairperson S. Ravi Kumar has said he will resign in the wake of allegations of corruption.

Speaking to press persons in Shivamogga on September 3, Mr. Ravi Kumar said that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called him over phone and enquired about the allegations. “I told him that it was a conspiracy against me. I will resign to avoid embarrassment to the government and the party,” he said.

Regarding the video clip that went viral, Mr. Ravi Kumar stated that video clip was doctored and artificial intelligence tools had been used as part of the conspiracy.

He claimed that the video was shot in his office and the conversation recorded was doctored. “I have demanded a probe into the whole issue,” he stated.

The video clip

A video clip showing a conversation between a woman and the chairperson went viral in the last two days. In the clip, Mr. Ravi Kumar was seen speaking about the commission for granting benefits to eligible beneficiaries of a scheme in the corporation. There was also a reference to a minister in the clip.

As the video went viral, opposition leaders urged the government of Karnataka to order a probe and take action against those involved.

The chairperson admitted to being in the video clip. However, he added that only a part of the conversation was real, and certain bits were added, probably using artificial intelligence.

Answering a question, he stated that Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa was in no way connected to the conversation.

He alleged that officials of the corporation were part of the conspiracy against him. “Earlier, there were charges of corruption in the corporation. After I took charge, I brought in discipline, and that must have made the officials unhappy,” he added.