Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his brother, former MP D.K. Suresh, seeking exhaustive details regarding donations made to the National Herald and Young India organisations. Both have been asked to either appear in person or furnish the requested information by December 19, signalling an escalation in the long-running investigation linked to the National Herald case.
The Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has also issued fresh notices to the brothers as part of its ongoing probe. According to the notice, Shivakumar is believed to possess crucial information relevant to the case registered on October 3 against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Sources close to the DK brothers confirmed that the notices were delivered on December 5(Friday).
The notice reportedly seeks information about their personal and political background, their ties with the Congress party, the exact amount donated to the National Herald, how the money was transferred and what they believe the funds were used for. Further, both have been asked to disclose details on the source of the funds, the purpose of the bank transfers and whether any communication took place between them and Young Indian or the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Officials have also asked whether the payments were made under instructions from senior party leadership.
The ED has already stated in earlier charge sheets that D.K. Shivakumar personally donated ₹25 lakh to the National Herald and ₹2 crore through a trust, while D.K. Suresh donated ₹25 lakh to Young India. The agency alleges that these funds eventually benefitted Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the publishing company behind the National Herald.
The broader investigation began in 2021 after the Patiala House Court took cognizance of a private complaint filed in 2014 by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The complaint alleged a criminal conspiracy by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Motilal Vora, Oscar Fernandes and others associated with Young India, claiming they illegally acquired assets worth ₹2,000 crore belonging to AJL.
Reacting strongly to the notices, D.K. Shivakumar told reporters on December 6(Saturday) that he believed the move was politically motivated. “I did not expect Suresh to be given a notice. If they thought they could intimidate me through this, it is wrong. Instead of giving money to our party, should we give it to someone else?” he asked.
He added that the brothers have already provided full details to the Enforcement Directorate earlier. “They should not have called us. They already took our statements and did not include our names in the charge sheet. I do not know why they have called us again at this stage. But I will go. I have read the notice. I will consult our lawyers and provide whatever answers are required”, DK Shivakumar said.
Responding to questions about the recent Cartier watch controversy, Shivakumar criticised what he called unnecessary personal attacks. “Who wears which shirt, which watch, which glasses—I will not question anyone about such things. Whether I buy a watch worth ₹1,000 or ₹10 lakh is my personal choice. It is my money, my hardship, my hard work”, he said.
Turning his ire toward the BJP, he remarked, “Some in the opposition speak without knowing the facts. Narayana Swamy has no experience—has he even stood for an election? I know my business. Ninety percent of BJP leaders know what my life and work are like”.
With both ED and Delhi Police now seeking detailed financial information, the National Herald case has once again stirred political turbulence in Karnataka, especially with the December 19 deadline looming.
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