Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, former JD(S) MLC Ramesh Gowda booked in Bengaluru for ‘extorting, threatening’ builder
JD(S) leader Vijay Tata has alleged that H D Kumaraswamy sought Rs 50 crore from him for the upcoming Channapatna by-polls, while Gowda demanded Rs 5 crore for the construction of a school and a temple.
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The FIR was registered on Thursday based on a complaint filed by Tata at the Amruthahally police station on October 1. (File Photo)Karnataka Police have registered an FIR against Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy and former JD(S) MLC Ramesh Gowda for allegedly extorting and threatening Vijay Tata, vice president of the JD(S) social media cell.
The FIR was registered on Thursday based on a complaint filed by Tata at the Amruthahally police station on October 1.
The JD(S) leader has alleged that Kumaraswamy sought Rs 50 crore from him for the upcoming Channapatna by-polls, while Gowda demanded Rs 5 crore for the construction of a school and a temple. In his complaint, Tata said Gowda visited his residence on August 24 this year to discuss the by-poll.
Gowda then called Kumaraswamy from his phone during which the Union Minister allegedly told him to arrange the money as they were determined to win the by-poll. “I was shocked by his words and replied, ‘Sir, I don’t have that much money. I have to complete my real-estate projects. Therefore, I will involve myself in party activities.’ Kumaraswamy was angered by my words and said that he did not know what he would do if I did not arrange Rs 50 crore,” the FIR read.
Later, Kumaraswamy allegedly threatened Tata that he would not only find it difficult to do his real-estate business but also struggle to live in Bengaluru, before disconnecting the call. Later, Gowda told Tata to arrange Rs 50 crore for the elections and Rs 5 crore to fund the school and temple being constructed by him, according to the FIR.
Tata alleged that Gowda followed up on the demand by sending him WhatsApp messages on August 30, September 6 and 11. In his complaint, Tata sought police protection for him and his family members and action against the two leaders.
While Gowda is accused number one in the case, Kumaraswamy is named as the second accused.
Reacting to the complaint, Kumaraswamy said that a new complaint was raised against him. “I am telling this repeatedly. Even if you have to dig out something (against me), take up something that is tough. Don’t raise such issues and turn out to be laughing stocks,” he said.
“Such conspiracies will not affect Kumaraswamy in any manner,” he added.
A few days ago, the Union Minister had named Tata, accusing him of colluding with IPS officer M Chandra Sekhar – who heads the Special Investigation Team of Lokayukta – to extort large sums of money from businessmen and builders.
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