Criticism of CBI raid on Shivakumar by Congress is ridiculous: BJP

BJP spokesperson said the raid is in continuation of ED probe started in 2017

shicakum (File) D.K. Shivakumar | PTI

The BJP described as "ridiculous and meaningless" protests by the Congress over CBI conducting searches at multiple premises on Monday in a corruption case related to party leader D.K. Shivakumar.

Karnataka BJP spokesperson, captain Ganesh Karnik said CBI, ED and I-T Department are institutions with functional autonomy to investigate and bring to justice financial and criminal fraudsters.

“They are always on their job. The present raid is in “continuation of investigations started by ED in 2017," he said.

Stating that the BJP respects the functional autonomy granted to these institutions for probity, captain Karnik said "the politically motivated protests (by Congress) are ridiculous & meaningless."

"The party (Congress) which was in power for such a long time both at Centre & state should know the functioning of these institutions better," Captain Karnik said.

The CBI said it is carrying out searches at 14 locations in Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra in the case that pertains to amassing of disproportionate assets.

The CBI said it has registered a case against the then minister of Karnataka government (Shivakumar who is now president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee) and others on the allegations of acquisition of disproportionate assets.

"Searches are being conducted today at 14 locations including 9 in Karnataka, 4 in Delhi, one in Mumbai," a CBI statement said.

According to sources, these locations being searched include properties of Shivakumar's brother and MP from Bengaluru Rural, D.K. Suresh.

Congress leaders have hit out at the ruling BJP governments at the state and the Centre following the searches, questioning their timing ahead of November 3 bypolls to Sira and R.R. Nagar Assembly segments.

Congress Legislature Party leader and former chief minister Siddaramaiah tweeted "The latest CBI raid on @KPCCPresident@DKShivakumar's house is another attempt to derail our preparation for bypolls. I strongly condemn this."

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