ED summons Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister's brother in money laundering probe

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Congress leader DK Suresh, younger brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, for questioning in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cheating operation by a local woman.

Official sources said on Tuesday that Suresh has been asked to appear before the agency on June 19 to record his statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Suresh had previously filed a complaint with the Bengaluru police, stating that his name was being “misused”. The Enforcement Directorate is also understood to have recorded MLA Vinay
Kulkarni’s statement as part of the ongoing probe.

The federal agency arrested 33-year-old Aishwarya Gowda in April, following searches on her and Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni. According to an official statement issued at the time, the agency said Gowda claimed to have close ties with “high-profile” politicians and allegedly defrauded several individuals by promising high returns on investments in gold, cash and bank deposits. She reportedly used the name of DK Suresh and claimed to be his sister.

The money laundering case against Gowda, her husband Harish KN, and others stems from a series of FIRs registered at different police stations in Karnataka. The FIRs allege that the accused engaged in a criminal conspiracy to defraud multiple people by collecting gold, cash and bank transfers in exchange for a promise of high returns.

The Enforcement Directorate said that the accused failed to return the money or provide the promised returns, and that Gowda allegedly threatened victims who pursued legal action by claiming links with senior political leaders. During the searches, officials reportedly seized digital evidence, documents related to the laundering activities, and Rs 2.25 crore in cash.

The legislator, speaking to the media after the ED raids, denied any wrongdoing. He said that any financial dealings with Gowda, if they existed, would be traceable through proper financial records.

Following the raids on MLA Vinay Kulkarni, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the agency’s action, calling it a politically motivated move. “The ED raids are the outcome of politics of vengeance. Centre carries out these kinds of raids,” he said.

The Chief Minister questioned why similar action had not been taken against leaders from the BJP.