Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress government has accepted the resignation of Bovi Development Corporation Chairman Ravikumar following allegations of corruption and kickbacks. The move comes after a video surfaced showing Ravikumar openly demanding a cut of Rs 5 lakh for releasing Rs 25 lakh meant for beneficiaries under the Corporation’s welfare programs.

The video, which revealed him instructing officials to ensure his share was collected before funds were released, sparked outrage among Bovi community organizations.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, responding to public and community pressure, including threats from Bovi Community Welfare Association President Dr. Venkatesh Mourya to gherao the CM if immediate action was not taken, directed Ravikumar to resign on Tuesday morning. Ravikumar complied, submitting his resignation promptly.

Bovi, one of the most backward communities in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, relies on the Bovi Development Corporation for several government welfare schemes aimed at community empowerment.

This incident follows earlier corruption controversies involving the Corporation, including the 2018–23 case where former Director Leelavathi and her predecessor Nagaraj were accused by the Enforcement Directorate of diverting Rs 97 crore in the name of Leelavathi’s sister.

With Ravikumar’s resignation, the Siddaramaiah government has now lost two Valmiki leaders, B Nagendra and K N Rajanna, along with one Bovi leader, marking another setback for the administration amid corruption allegations.