I-T department summons Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru: After seizing huge cash and valuables and collecting a staggering number of documents and files from the residences and establishments of Karnataka energy minister D.K. Shivakumar and his kin, income-tax officials have upped the pressure on the Congress strongman by issuing summons to him and several others asking them to appear before it on Monday for questioning.

It is learnt that the summons were issued on Saturday itself. However, Mr Shivakumar has reportedly requested them to give him some more time as he has important work to do.

Sources said that besides the minister, the summons have been issued to his father-in-law’s family members and associates, including Dwarakanath.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Mr Sadashivanagar on Sunday, Mr Shivakumar said, “I have been issued summons and will appear before the I-T officials soon. The law is equal for all, I am not an exception.” But he did not reveal when he would make an appearance before the officials.

Income-tax sleuths carried out searched in more than 60 places over a period of three days in connection with raids on Mr Shivakumar. Searches were conducted in properties belonging to Mr Shivakumar’s friends, aides as well as family. Some of the places that were raided also belonged to Congress party leaders.

Reacting for the first time after the raids, the Karnataka energy minister had on Saturday said he was innocent and added that he has nothing to hide from anybody. He said, “Only after I get the entire panchnama and the documentation will I speak to you.”

“I’m not the kind of person that violates the law and the Constitution...the truth will come out,” he added.