Bengaluru, Dec 6 (NationPress) In a bold statement, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar declared on Saturday that he will not be cowed by the notices served to him by the Delhi Police regarding the National Herald case.

"The Delhi Police have requested information by December 19. I will make a one-day appearance to respond adequately to their notice. If they attempt to intimidate me, I will not submit," Shivakumar asserted while addressing the media near his residence in Bengaluru and later in Hassan.

He mentioned that he received the notice on Friday and plans to consult with his legal team.

"My brother also contributed to this organization during his tenure as an MP," he noted.

Shivakumar expressed that there was no justification for the Delhi Police to file a case against the National Herald and Young Indian organizations for receiving donations.

"This summons appears to be an attempt to harass us. It was unexpected. I did not foresee that notices would be issued to me and my brother, D.K. Suresh. Previously, the ED issued summons. We have fully cooperated with the ED investigation and provided all necessary documents," he stated.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that it is an institutional matter for their party, and as Congress members, there is nothing wrong with supporting it through donations.

"There is no secrecy involved. When the institution faced financial challenges, our trusts stepped in to help. Many individuals, including myself, have contributed," he explained.

He further added that the ED had filed a charge sheet in this matter without naming them, confirming that they had provided their statements and the case was closed.

"In this context, there was no need for the Delhi Police to initiate a case. All our transactions are transparent. We will pursue our legal battle. We have fulfilled our tax obligations and are free to donate to any entity we choose," he remarked.

Shivakumar highlighted that a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case was previously filed against him, with a charge sheet submitted.

"After all this, why is there a need for a summons now? The intention seems to be to harass supporters of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and to sow confusion," he claimed.

Earlier, Shivakumar referred to the notice concerning the National Herald case as shocking.

On Friday, the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police issued a notice to Shivakumar related to the National Herald case.

The police reportedly believe that Shivakumar possesses crucial information pertinent to this case, which is why the notice was served.

The Economic Offences Wing is currently investigating the National Herald case and has requested detailed financial and transaction-related information from Shivakumar.

The notice instructs Shivakumar to provide information regarding the specifics and breakdown of the amount contributed to the company named Young Indian (YI) by Shivakumar, his affiliates, and related companies, among others.

Shivakumar is believed to hold significant information related to the FIR lodged on October 3 against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Shivakumar and his brother, D. K. Suresh, had contributed Rs 2.5 crore to Young India.

Additionally, Rs 2.5 crore from Shivakumar's trusts was also donated to the organization, according to sources.

Previously, the ED had interrogated the Shivakumar brothers concerning these allegations. Now, in relation to the same case, the Delhi Police have issued a notice to Shivakumar requesting details of financial transactions and directing him to appear for inquiry on or before December 19.