What Are the Implications of ED's Attachment of Aishwarya Gowda's Property Worth Rs 3.98 Crore?

Bengaluru, June 23 (NationPress) - The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) from the Bengaluru Zonal Office has provisionally confiscated assets valued at approximately Rs 3.98 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on June 19. This action is part of an investigation into the alleged activities of conwoman Aishwarya Gowda and others linked to money laundering offenses, as reported by an official on Monday.

The seized assets encompass immovable properties, including flats and constructed buildings, valued at roughly Rs 2.01 crore, alongside movable properties comprising cash and a vehicle, totaling around Rs 1.97 crore, according to the ED.

The ED's investigation was prompted by several FIRs filed at various police stations across Karnataka, targeting Aishwarya Gowda, her spouse Harish K.N., and others under various sections of the IPC/BNSS.

“The FIR allegations suggest that Aishwarya Gowda, her husband Harish, and others engaged in a criminal conspiracy to swindle numerous individuals by soliciting gold, cash, and funds through bank accounts, all while promising high returns,” the ED explained.

Despite the promises, the accused failed to return the funds or deliver on the promised returns. They also allegedly intimidated investors with threats of severe consequences if they pursued the matter, asserting connections with several prominent politicians, the ED noted.

Additionally, the ED executed search operations at multiple locations associated with Aishwarya Gowda and her accomplices under the provisions of PMLA, 2002.

During these searches, various incriminating documents related to money laundering activities involving movable and immovable properties, as well as other digital devices, were found and confiscated, according to the statement.

Ongoing investigations are continuing.

On the previous Tuesday, the ED summoned D.K. Suresh, brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and former Congress MP, to appear for questioning related to the case involving Aishwarya Gowda on June 23 (Monday).

Ahead of his appearance before the ED regarding the cheating and money laundering case linked to the alleged conwoman, D.K. Suresh asserted that the Supreme Court had indicated the agency was overstepping its jurisdiction.

Speaking to reporters before his ED inquiry in Bengaluru, Suresh stated, “I will fully cooperate with the investigation; let’s see how they proceed.”

When questioned whether the ED could issue a notice in the absence of any financial transactions, Suresh replied, “Both the Supreme Court and High Courts have indicated that the ED is exceeding its limits. If the ED does not rectify its approach, it jeopardizes the democratic framework of the nation.”