What Will D.K. Suresh Reveal Before the ED in the Aishwarya Gowda Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- D.K. Suresh is set to confront the ED regarding allegations of fraud and money laundering.
- The Supreme Court has indicated concerns about the ED's jurisdiction.
- Aishwarya Gowda is accused of defrauding jewellers while impersonating political figures.
- The ED has conducted extensive searches and seized significant evidence.
- This case raises vital questions about the intersection of politics and law enforcement.
Bengaluru, June 23 (NationPress) D.K. Suresh, the brother of Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and a former Congress MP, is set to face the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding a cheating and money laundering case linked to the alleged con artist Aishwarya Gowda. He stated that the Supreme Court has indicated that the agency may be exceeding its jurisdiction.
It is claimed that Aishwarya Gowda impersonated the sister of Shivakumar and Suresh to extort money from jewellers and business establishments.
Prior to his ED inquiry in Bengaluru, Suresh remarked, “I’ll fully cooperate with the investigation; let’s see how they proceed.”
When questioned about the possibility of the ED issuing him a notice without any financial dealings, Suresh replied, “Both the Supreme Court and High Courts have remarked that the ED is overstepping its boundaries. If the ED does not amend its actions despite these statements, it jeopardizes the country’s democratic framework.”
In response to the situation, Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar remarked, “We are prepared to confront any inquiry. What about the ED case lodged against me? No one intervened, yet I ultimately received justice from the judiciary. The ED has summoned my brother based on someone’s assertion. People have the right to engage with their elected representatives in their offices. He is prepared to respond to all inquiries.”
“Why is the media portraying this as a significant event? There are certain narratives that you overlook, yet this one receives attention,” he expressed.
D.K. Suresh further accused the ED of pursuing cases and conducting inquiries beyond its jurisdiction, asserting, “It is clear that the ED operates as a puppet for the central government. I’m curious to see how they proceed.”
“I am reporting to the ED today for questioning. I will only comprehend the situation once I arrive at their office. I am committed to cooperating with the investigation,” he added.
When asked if he considers this a political conspiracy, D.K. Suresh responded, “I will determine that after the questioning. Their inquiries will unveil the investigation's direction and clarify my involvement in the case.”
“I am attending alongside my lawyer. We will discuss afterward whether there is any connection or not,” he continued.
Regarding the alleged financial transactions that prompted his summoning, Suresh affirmed, “There is no financial link or transaction between that woman and me. I have already addressed this and clarified it. I only attended two events, and she visited my office three or four times to discuss various matters. However, none of this is related to the case.”
“She lived in the constituency; I met her and participated in a few events with her. There’s nothing beyond that. I will provide the ED with all the information they require,” Suresh stated.
He further noted, “It is alleged that my voice was mimicked, leading to crimes committed using it. The Karnataka police have investigated this, and multiple cases have been lodged at the police station. I am unaware of the results of that inquiry.”
“Now that the ED has taken on the case, I will first appear before them and inquire why I have been summoned. I will relay information to the media afterward,” he asserted.
Recently, the ED summoned D.K. Suresh regarding the case involving Aishwarya Gowda, who is accused of defrauding a jeweller in Bengaluru of gold worth Rs 9.82 crore, falsely claiming to be the sister of the two political figures.
The ED's Bengaluru Zonal Office arrested her last Friday under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for her alleged involvement in money laundering.
Following her arrest, she was presented before the Special PMLA Court, which granted the ED custody for 14 days.
The ED also conducted searches at 14 locations associated with Gowda and her associates on April 24 and 25, pursuant to the PMLA, uncovering and seizing various incriminating documents related to money laundering activities through movable/immovable properties and other digital devices.
Additionally, cash amounting to nearly Rs 2.25 crore was recovered and seized, according to the ED.