Karnataka BJP MLA Booked Over Rs 99 Lakh Cheque Bounce Case

Bidar: A criminal case has been registered against BJP MLA Sharanu Salagar following a complaint that he failed to repay nearly Rs 1 crore borrowed during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. Police said the case relates to a cheque issued by the legislator that was later returned by the bank with the remark “account closed”.

According to the complaint, Salagar, who is a distant relative of the complainant, had approached him for financial help to meet election-related expenses. The amount was allegedly given in several instalments between January and February 2023, with an assurance that it would be repaid within six months.

The complainant stated that despite waiting for nearly two years and making repeated requests, the MLA did not return the money. Elders reportedly intervened and convened a meeting on September 14, 2025, during which Salagar acknowledged the liability and issued a cheque for Rs 99 lakh.

The complaint further alleged that when family members visited the MLA’s residence on September 16 to confirm whether the cheque could be deposited, he behaved aggressively and issued threats. The alleged threats were recorded and submitted as electronic evidence along with the complaint.

When the cheque was deposited through the complainant’s bank on September 18, it was returned the following day citing that the account had been closed. Police said a legal notice was issued to the MLA on September 22, seeking payment within the prescribed period, but there was no response.

Based on the complaint, Basava Kalyana police registered a case on December 27 under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cheating, criminal intimidation, intentional insult, dishonest misappropriation of property and other serious charges. Police said the matter is under investigation.