Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president, D K Shivakumar, has strongly criticized a notice served to him by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police. He labeled the notice, related to the ongoing National Herald investigation, as "shocking" and an act of political harassment.
Notice Issued for December Appearance
The notice, dated November 29, demands that Shivakumar either appear before the Delhi Police or provide the required information by December 19. The case in question was registered on October 3 against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The police allege that Shivakumar possesses vital information pertinent to this investigation.
Shivakumar's Firm Rejection and Defense
In his reaction, Shivakumar vehemently defended the financial transactions under scrutiny. "There is nothing in it. It is our money, and we can give it to anyone we choose. We pay taxes, there's nothing illegal. What more is there to probe?" he asserted. He highlighted that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had already completed its probe and filed a chargesheet, questioning the necessity of a separate police investigation.
Shivakumar confirmed that he and his brother, former MP DK Suresh, had fully cooperated with the ED earlier, providing all requested information in black and white. He expressed confusion over the police's decision to register a fresh case.
Allegations of Political Motive and Legal Stand
The senior Congress leader did not mince words regarding the intent behind the notice. He claimed it was a deliberate move "to harass Sonia, Rahul and their supporters and create confusion." Extending this allegation to his own situation, he stated, "It is being done to harass [me]. I condemn it."
Regarding his brother's notice concerning donations, Shivakumar defended the actions, reasoning, "National Herald and Young Indian are our party institutions. Many leaders like me have helped them."
When asked about complying with the December 19 deadline, Shivakumar indicated a cautious approach, stating he would first examine the legal implications of the notice. However, he made his overarching strategy clear: he plans to "fight it in the court of law." This development adds another layer to the long-running National Herald legal battle, setting the stage for a fresh political and judicial confrontation.
