Bengaluru: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's Brother Gopal Joshi Arrested

Bengaluru poloce arrested Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's brother, Gopal Joshi on Saturday. Soon after the news went viral, the minister issued a clarification that he has cut all ties from his estranged brother for over 30 years. According to the reports, Bengaluru police has arrested Gopal Joshi in relations to a cheating case filed by a JD(S) leader. The arrest was confirmed by Basaweshwar Nagar Police.

Gopal Joshi and Vijayalakshmi Joshi were booked by Basaveshwaranagar police. Gopal's son, Ajay Joshi, was also named in the FIR. The complaint was lodged by Sunita Chavan, wife of former Nagthana MLA Devavand Phool Singh Chavan, who lost the 2023 Assembly election.

Allegations and Financial Transactions

Sunita Chavan alleged that Gopal promised her family a BJP ticket for the May Lok Sabha elections. She claimed she delivered ₹25 lakh at Vijayalakshmi's house in Basaveshwaranagar on Gopal's instruction. Vijayalakshmi was introduced as Pralhad Joshi's sister, but the Minister denied having a sister.

When the ticket wasn't secured, Sunita approached Gopal again. He allegedly promised to return her money after securing a ₹200 crore project. She claimed to have paid him an additional ₹1.75 crore, but he failed to refund her within 20 days.

Minister's Public Clarification

Pralhad Joshi reiterated his disassociation from Gopal through an affidavit in Original Suit Number 8477/2023. "I and the said Gopal V Joshi have separated since more than 20 years," it stated. The affidavit emphasized no joint family or financial ties between them.

The Union Minister also addressed reports about having a sister: "I read reports saying that I have a sister too. First of all I say on record that I don't have a sister." He stressed that any claims of familial connections are unfounded.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda mentioned that approximately ₹2 crore was given in instalments, which is under investigation. The police are probing these transactions to uncover further details related to the allegations against Gopal Joshi.

The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the extent of financial dealings involved and determine accountability. Authorities are working diligently to resolve this case and ensure justice is served for all parties involved.