In a significant development, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police has formally served a notice to Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar. The notice demands comprehensive financial documentation concerning donations allegedly made to the entity known as Young Indian.
Details of the EOW Notice and Demands
The notice, which was issued on 29 November, sets a deadline of 19 December for Shivakumar to submit the required documents. The EOW has cast a wide net in its inquiry, seeking detailed records that include:
- Shivakumar's personal background and his political affiliations with the Congress party.
- The source, stated purpose, and ultimate end-use of funds reportedly transferred to Young Indian.
- Financial statements, income tax returns, and donation certificates.
- Clarification on whether these transactions were executed under instructions from any third parties.
This investigative step is rooted in a First Information Report (FIR) registered on 3 October against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The FIR alleges a conspiracy to fraudulently acquire Associated Journals Ltd. through Young Indian.
Shivakumar's Strong Rejection and Allegations of Harassment
Reacting sharply to the notice, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister labeled it as "shocking" and an act of political targeting. He asserted that he had already furnished all relevant information to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during its earlier probe into the matter.
"There is nothing wrong. It is our institution. We, as Congressmen, have supported the institution. Everything is in black and white," Shivakumar stated. He expressed bewilderment over the police case proceeding despite the ED having already filed a chargesheet.
He framed the notice as a broader strategy of intimidation, saying, "Just to harass Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and all the supporters, they are trying to create confusion." Shivakumar vowed to contest the matter legally, emphasizing that the contributions were made from taxed income.
The Broader Legal Context and Investigation's Aim
The case originated from a complaint filed by the ED's headquarters investigative unit. The core allegation involves a plot to gain control of Associated Journals, the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, via the Young Indian entity.
The EOW's current line of questioning is strategically focused. Investigators are attempting to establish a clear paper trail and determine if the funds were moved under directions from others. A key objective is to ascertain whether Shivakumar was aware of the final application of the donated funds.
This notice marks a fresh chapter in the long-running investigation, bringing a senior sitting minister directly into the scrutiny of the Delhi Police's economic crimes unit, even as the political accusations fly.
