IT raids across Karnataka targeting JDS, Cong leaders amidst poll campaign; protest erupts

Hassan, Mar 28: Within hours after Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy expressed fear that “revenge politics” was afoot through “misuse of Central agencies”, the Income Tax Department carried out searches and seizure operations at multiple locations targeting JD(S) leaders late on Wednesday night.

Sources confirmed that multiple teams carried out searches in various parts of the Hassan, Mandya and Mysuru districts apart from Bengaluru. The main targets of the raids were CS Puttaraju, Mandya district in charge minister, and a few officials allegedly close to PWD minister HD Revanna.

Searches by the I-T department are being carried out at the residences of five businessmen in Bengaluru South. Three of the raided were affiliated to the JD(S) and two to Congress, a corporator said under the condition of anonymity. One of the persons raided is identified as Siddiq Sait, residing near South End Circle, Jayanagar. Identities of other persons raided are yet to be ascertained.

According to the JDS sources, the search operation started at 5am at Chinakuruli village, the native village of minister Puttaraju near Pandavapura. The search operations are carried out in Mandya town also. IT department team is also verifying documents at the residence of CS Puttaraju's relative in Vijayanagara in Mysuru city.

Reacting to the IT raids, Mandya district in charge minister CS Puttaraju confirmed that the IT raid started at early morning. "But I have proof and documents for even Rs 10 income. So why shall I bother? I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this raids," he said.

According to the police sources, IT department is carrying out a search operation even in the PWD department office in the Hassan city. "As per the information we received, search operation is on in PWD office and residences of a few PWD officers," said police.

It can be recalled that HD Revanna, CM HD Kumaraswamy's brother, is the state PWD minister. His son Prajwal Revanna is contesting from Hassan Lok Sabha constituency.

Protest

As the news of IT raids on the district in-charge minister who is also the minor irrigation minister CS Puttaraju spread, his supporters blocked the Pandavapura-Channarayapatna highway throwing the vehicular movement out of gear. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the highway. Additional police personnel are sent to convince the agitating activists.

Meanwhile, CS Puttaraju is on his way to Mysuru to meet the senior leaders of the party including CM HD Kumaraswamy to discuss the future course of action.