Lokayukta seeks DK Shivakumar's documents in disproportionate assets case

Lokayukta seeks DK Shivakumar’s documents in disproportionate assets case

The Karnataka Lokayukta has sought documents from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in connection with a disproportionate assets probe. The case was transferred to the Lokayukta from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A notice by the Lokayukta to DK Shivakumar read: “There has been a CBI case against you. The case has been transferred to Lokayukta. During the CBI investigation, you have submitted information and documents. Do submit the same documents and information to Lokayukta too.”

The CBI has claimed that Shivakumar amassed wealth to the tune of Rs 74.93 crore, disproportionate to known sources of his income from April 1, 2013 to April 30, 2018, when he was the Energy Minister in the then Siddaramaiah-led Congress government (2013-2018).

The Income Tax Department conducted a search and seizure operation in the offices and residence of Shivakumar in 2017, based on which the Enforcement Directorate (ED) started its probe against him.

Based on the ED investigation, the CBI sought sanction from the state government to file an FIR against him. The sanction was granted by the then state government on September 25, 2019 and the FIR was filed a year later.

Last year, the ruling Congress government withdrew its nod to the CBI probe against DK Shivakumar. The CBI enquiry was transferred to the Lokayukta after the High Court approved the withdrawal of permission.