Karnataka: Cash Worth Rs 2.25 Crore Seized from Woman's Home
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has seized Rs 2.25 crore in unaccounted cash from the home of Aishwarya Gowda, a 33-year-old accused of money laundering. She allegedly posed as a relative of high-profile politicians to defraud individuals. The ED has arrested her and is conducting further investigations.
Key Takeaways
- ED seized Rs 2.25 crore in cash.
- Aishwarya Gowda posed as a politician's sister.
- Charged under Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
- 14-day custody granted for investigation.
- Further investigations are ongoing.
Bengaluru, April 26 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 2.25 crore in unaccounted cash from the home of 33-year-old Aishwarya Gowda, who is accused of being a con artist involved in money laundering, as stated in an official release on Saturday.
Gowda is alleged to have impersonated the sister of Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his sibling, former MP D.K. Suresh, extorting money from jewellers and business owners.
The official report indicated that the ED, Bengaluru Zonal Office, arrested Aishwarya Gowda under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on Friday for her purported involvement in money laundering activities.
Following her arrest, she was presented before the Special PMLA Court, which has granted the ED custody of the accused for 14 days.
The ED executed search operations at 14 locations associated with Aishwarya Gowda and her associates on April 24 and April 25, in accordance with the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.
During these operations, a variety of incriminating documents linked to money laundering through movable and immovable assets, as well as other digital devices, were discovered and seized.
Along with the evidence, cash amounting to nearly Rs 2.25 crore was also recovered, as per the ED's statement.
Previously, the ED had begun an investigation based on several FIRs filed by various police stations in Karnataka against Aishwarya Gowda, her husband Harish K.N., and others under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code/Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.
The allegations in the FIRs suggest that Aishwarya Gowda, her husband Harish, and others conspired to defraud numerous individuals by acquiring gold, cash, and funds through bank accounts, promising high returns.
However, the accused failed to return the money or provide the promised returns and allegedly threatened investors with severe repercussions should they pursue the matter further, citing her connections to various high-profile politicians.
Following Aishwarya Gowda's arrest and the court's granting of a 14-day custody to the ED, her custodial questioning and investigation are currently ongoing.
Further inquiries are underway, the statement noted.
Aishwarya Gowda is accused of deceiving a jeweller in Bengaluru out of gold worth Rs 9.82 crore, falsely claiming to be the sister of D.K. Suresh, brother of Deputy CM Shivakumar.
The ED also conducted raids on Thursday against Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and another Congress leader Tibbegowda, whose wife is a complainant against Aishwarya Gowda.
Former Congress MP D.K. Suresh has clarified that his family has no ties to Aishwarya Gowda.
