I-T department likely to wind up raids

BENGALURU: Search operations continued for the third day on Friday at Karnataka energy minister D K Shivakumar's properties and residence, and are expected to end by midnight or Saturday morning. Income tax authorities had started search and seizure operations on Wednesday morning.

A source in the I-T department said, “Some vital documents were seized for investigation and statements of Kumar and his family members were recorded. The search would have ended today but for Shivakumar's health. The formalities will be completed in another 4-8 hours.“

Congress MP

D K Suresh

, who met his brother Shivakumar briefly to enquire about his health, said I-T officials had assured him that the operations would end on Friday or Saturday.

After the operations, the officials will submit their report to the Union finance ministry, giving details of money seized and recommending whether there is a need for investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or CBI. It all depends on the prima facie evidence the officials have managed to garner from the raids over the past three days.

“The ED and CBI will pitch in only if there is strong prima facie evidence of financial fraud and money laundering. The FIR will be decisive,“ sources added.

Suresh, however, claimed the I-T department has not managed to recover any in criminating documents from Shivakumar, and the cash which they claim to have re covered from their premises does not belong to them.

Rubbishing media reports that said searches at about 70 places belonging to Shivaku mar and his associates across the country have unearthed cash worth over Rs 11 crore, Suresh said: “These reports are mere speculation, and I'm con fident that my brother will come out of this unscathed.“

Suresh said he has request ed I-T officials to make public facts about searches at the earliest, to end the confusion. “Officials told me that they have so far not communicated anything to the media, and will submit a detailed report to the Union government and Union finance ministry after concluding the searches.“

He also said he got an assurance from I-T officials that they will give Shivakumar ample opportunity to defend his case and give his version.