The Delhi Police has sent a notice to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, asking him to share information about his financial transactions as part of the investigation into the National Herald case, PTI reported citing an official.
The notice, issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), says that Shivakumar is “supposed to be having vital information” related to the case registered on October 3 this year against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
The notice, dated November 29, asks Shivakumar to either appear before the EOW or submit the sought information by December 19.
Investigators have asked for details about his background, his link with the Congress party and a full breakdown of money allegedly transferred by him or related entities to Young Indian, according to the PTI report.
Sources close to Shivakumar told the news agency that he is being targeted because he is “not playing ball” with the BJP and believe this shows he is one of the leaders “taking the hit” for the Congress. They also claim Shivakumar is the “most persecuted” Congress leader, but insist the BJP will not succeed in “breaking him”.
“This is to inform you that the EOW, Delhi Police is investigating the above cited case FIR and that you are supposed to be having vital information in respect of the above case,” the notice states.
Questions asked by EOW
The EOW has also asked questions about why Shivakumar transferred money, where the funds came from, whether there was communication between him and Young Indian or AICC officials, whether he acted under someone’s instructions and whether he knew how the money would be used.
Officials have also demanded copies of income tax filings, financial statements and any donation certificates linked to these payments.
Background of the National Herald case
The National Herald case began after a complaint filed in 2013 by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. It accuses Young Indian of acquiring properties worth more than Rs 988 crore owned by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) for just Rs 50 lakh through a deal involving the AICC in 2010.
The FIR filed by the EOW, based on a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate, accuses those involved of criminal conspiracy, fraud, and breach of trust in the transfer of AJL assets to Young Indian – a company in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi together own 76% shares.
