The Enforcement Directorate on Monday filed objections to Congress leader and former Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar’s bail application at a special court in New Delhi. The ED stated that DK Shivakumar could influence witnesses and tamper with evidence if granted bail.
“'Investigation has revealed names of various persons and entities. Interrogation of these persons is necessary to take the case to its logical conclusion. If granted bail, there exists all likelihood that he will tamper with evidence and influence the witnesses,” the ED’s objection states.
The ED also maintained that DK Shivakumar was not cooperating with the probe despite alleged “evidence linking him with the crime” was put forth before him.
DK Shivakumar had applied for bail on September 4 at the special court in New Delhi for ED cases.
On September 13, the special court had extended the ED’s custody of DK Shivakumar till Tuesday. The Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the ED, had stated that DK Shivakumar and his family members collectively have 317 bank accounts and accused him of laundering more than Rs 200 crore cash. The ED accused DK Shivakumar and his family members of acquiring assets worth more than Rs 800 crore through tainted money.
The Enforcement Directorate had arrested DK Shivakumar on September 3. He has been accused of setting up hawala networks to launder money. The ED began probing DK Shivakumar’s alleged money laundering activities after the Income Tax Department had alleged found Rs 8.86 crore in cash at DK Shivakumar’s residence in New Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave in August 2017.
DK Shivakumar’s daughter Aisshwarya was questioned by the ED last week for 7 hours. Aisshwarya was questioned regarding several of her business transactions in Singapore and India. The ED also questioned her regarding her investment in a green energy company in Kolar and how she had increased her assets from Rs 1.08 crore to Rs 108 crore in a span of five years.