CBI serves notice to DK Shivakumar's firm, K'taka DyCM calls it conspiracy to politically finish him

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday alleged that a big conspiracy is going on to finish him politically after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) served a notice to his Kerala-based company Jaihind Communications Private Limited. He said that if the CBI wants to arrest him, then he is prepared for it.

As per sources, the central agency on Sunday issued a notice to the firm headed by Shivakumar seeking details about the investments made in the channel by him. This notice was served in connection with a disproportionate assets case against the deputy CM. 

The managing director (MD) of the firm has been asked to appear before the probe agency on January 11, 2024 for questioning. The MD has also been asked to bring all the requisite documents sought by the agency.

DK Shivakumar had spent 51 days in Tihar jail in a money laundering case in 2019

Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar has questioned the central agency’s move to issue notice against him, even though his firm had all the required documents. Recently, the Karnataka government withdrew the permission granted to the CBI to probe cases against Shivakumar, saying that it was not in accordance with law.

Shivakumar, who is accused in a money laundering case, had spent 51 days in Tihar Jail in 2019.

Talking to reporters, he said, "I don’t know how they are issuing notices. They have all the documents with them. It’s not because they don’t have any documents. There are big people harassing me. I know it all. It’s not that I am unaware of it. Let them do whatever they want to finish me politically," reports news agency PTI.

Kanakapura MLA Shivakumar further added, "There is a big conspiracy going on. Some BJP leaders had said earlier that they would send me to jail. They have conveyed their message to the department concerned. I have asked those who have spoken about me to come for discussion. There is a big plot being hatched."

Asserting that he has not done anything wrong, the Congress Karnataka president said, “Let the CBI conduct any inquiry against him. My partnership firm of which I am the chief, has been served notice. They are asking my children, my wife and relatives. The CBI is asking our family members and those from our village who are directors of the society."

Responding to whether he got an individual notice, Karnataka DyCM said that the CBI will first finish their investigation at the firm level and then come after him. He added that the state government had, however, handed over the matter to Lokayukta, though he did not request or insist on it.

Not only this, the Karnataka government has withdrawn the permission granted to the CBI to prosecute cases against him and handed over the case to the Lokayukta. Shivakumar said that he would answer the Lokayukta whenever it asks for it.

Shivakumar further said, "Earlier the case was given to the CBI. The investigation has not been completed yet. They wanted cross-examination, which they haven’t done. Now, based on their notice, it seems they did not do even 10 percent of the investigation, but they told the court that 90 percent of the inquiry is over. I don’t know the basis behind their claim," the news agency reported.

He even said the CBI is summoning him but there is no occasion for me to go there. “They are asking me to challenge their notice. If they want to see me behind bars, then let them do it. I have no problem. I am ready for it," the DyCM said.