Turned down my request to delay questioning: DK Shivakumar on fresh ED summons in money laundering case

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar has claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) turned down his request to delay the questioning on October 7 in connection with a money laundering case.

The ED sent a summons to Shivakumar on September 23, asking him and his brother DK Suresh to be present physically in the agency's Delhi office on October 7 for questioning. The brothers had requested the agency to postpone the date, citing the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

On October 5, the ED issued a second summons and informed Shivakumar and his brother to attend the inquiry on October 7 without fail..

Speaking to India Today, Shivakumar said he had requested the central probe agency to delay the date of his appearance as he was busy with the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra of the Congress. But the probe agency denied his request, he claimed.

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"I requested them for a different time, so that i can attend (Bharat Jodo Yatra). I am a law-abiding citizen and appear before the agency whenever they summon me. But they are still not giving me exemption this time," Shivakumar told India Today.

As the Karnataka Congress president, DK Shivakumar is one of the main organisers of the Yatra in Karnataka. He also alleged that at the time when Yatra is gaining momentum, he was summoned.

"I requested the Enforcement Directorate to postpone their summons in view of the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Their rejection is a clear sign that the timing of their summons is political harassment," he said in a tweet.

"I have a big responsibility as KPCC president when Bharat Jodo Yatra is in Karnataka. But they are not allowing me to do that," Shivakumar added.