Former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and ex-Karnataka Congress chief G Parameshwara’s properties in Bengaluru and Tumakuru were searched by the Income Tax Department on Thursday morning. The searches began at 6.30 am on Thursday.
Income Tax sources say that search and seizure operations were also carried out at a medical college in Nelamangala that belongs to Parameshwara.
“Let them conduct the raids. I have nothing to hide. If they find anything out of order then we have to submit to the law, right. Let them search,” Parameshwara told TNM, reacting to the raids.
The searches also coincide with the first day of the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly.
In a statement, the Congress leader said, “I welcome the raid of your institutes, all documents can be checked. We will cooperate with all relevant authorities.”
The searches were conducted along with similar raids on properties owned by RL Jalappa and other known Parameshwara aides.
RL Jalappa is a Congress politician and former member of the Karnataka Legislative Council and also an MP. He is a native of Tubagere in Doddaballapura.
Income Tax Department sources said that there were several allegations against Parameshwara that he misused his position as Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister for his 'personal gains'.
The search operation is being conducted to verify if there is any substance to these claims, the sources added.
According to sources, Parameshwara rushed to Tumakuru soon after news of the search operation reached him. The Income Tax officials began the search operation at the former Deputy CM's Sadashivnagar residence after he left for Tumakuru.
In a sharp reaction, former Karnataka Minister Siddaramaiah has called the searches “politically motivated.”
(This article has been published in an arrangement with The News Minute).
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