BENGALURU: The
Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to take over the probe into the tax evasion case against energy minister D K Shivakumar. Currently, the income tax (I-T) department is conducting investigation.
I-T officials on Monday questioned Shivakumar and his family members over
seized documents
pertaining to their assets, including cash, jewellery and other properties raided in August. "We are in the last phase of our investigation. Once we finish, the ED will step in," said a senior I-T official.
A case had also been lodged against Shivakumar with the ED in August, soon after raids on his properties in Bengaluru, Kanakapura and south Delhi between August 2 and 5. I-T officials questioned Shivakumar's mother, wife, daughter and brother D K Suresh. "They were asked for clarifications regarding the assets, but without help from lawyers and auditors," a senior tax official said.
Following questioning, Shivakumar told reporters: "My life is an open book. I have not violated any law. I respect the law of the land and have been cooperating with officials all through."
He, however, declined to comment on whether the I-T raids were aimed at stopping him from undertaking tours in the state in his capacity as campaign committee chairman. "I don't want to say anything. The
I-T department
is performing its duty. I want to be a
normal citizen.
My political career and business are two different things," the minister said.