Did the ED Summon D.K. Suresh Over Cheating and Money Laundering Allegations?

Bengaluru, June 17 (NationPress) - The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned D.K. Suresh, brother of Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and former Congress MP, in connection with a case of cheating and money laundering linked to the alleged fraudster Aishwarya Gowda.

Aishwarya Gowda is accused of deceiving a jeweler in Bengaluru out of gold worth Rs 9.82 crore by falsely claiming to be related to Shivakumar and Suresh. Recently, the ED discovered Rs 2.25 crore in unaccounted cash at the home of a 33-year-old woman who was arrested for money laundering activities.

In response to the summons, Suresh stated that he has been asked to appear for questioning on June 19 but will instead attend on June 23 due to a prior commitment. He emphasized, "I have no links or financial dealings with Aishwarya Gowda. While she is from our constituency, I only participated in two of her events. There is no connection to this case. The ED seeks information about financial transactions, and I hope to clarify things upon my appearance. I have also requested a thorough investigation from the police regarding this matter."

Shivakumar commented, "The ED has issued a notification, which I have instructed to be received. My brother has filed a police report about this. Several individuals have informed me that Aishwarya Gowda claims to be our sister and is defrauding people. We welcome an investigation into this matter. We respect the law and are committed to justice."

Gowda allegedly posed as the sister of Shivakumar and Suresh to blackmail jewelers and businesses.

The ED's Bengaluru Zonal Office arrested her on Friday under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for her alleged involvement in money laundering offenses.

Following her arrest, she was presented before a Special PMLA Court, which granted the ED custody for 14 days.

On April 24 and 25, the ED conducted raids at 14 locations connected to Gowda and her associates under PMLA provisions, uncovering various incriminating documents associated with money laundering through both movable and immovable assets, as well as digital devices.

The ED reported that the proceeds of crime, including approximately Rs 2.25 crore in cash, were also seized during these operations.

The agency launched an investigation based on multiple FIRs filed by different police stations in Karnataka against Gowda, her husband Harish K.N., and others, accusing them of engaging in a criminal conspiracy to defraud numerous individuals by taking gold, cash, and funds through bank accounts while promising substantial returns.

However, the accused allegedly failed to return the money or deliver the promised returns, threatening investors with severe consequences if they pursued the matter further, citing Gowda's connections to prominent politicians.