HD Kumaraswamy booked for extortion, intimidation

BENGALURU: City police have filed an FIR against Union minister HD Kumaraswamy and a former MLC following a complaint by city-based realtor Vijay Tata that he was threatened with dire consequences if he did not mobilise Rs 50 crore.

In his complaint with Amruthahalli police Thursday, Vijay Tata, who is not related to the Tata Group, accused Kumaraswamy of demanding the money in connection with the upcoming Channapatna bypoll in which Nikhil Kumaraswamy is expected to contest. The police have charged HDK and former JD(S) MLC Ramesh Gowda under sections 308 (2) ( extortion ) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation). tnn

HDK asked me for Rs 50 crore: Complainant

Kumaraswamy rubbished the allegations, stating: "Should I respond to allegations made by street dogs?"

According to Vijay's complaint, he has been associated with JD(S) since 2018 and was appointed vice-president of the party's social media cell. He claimed to have spent crores from his pocket while campaigning for Nikhil in 2019 Mandya Lok Sabha elections.

The complaint alleges that on the night of Aug 24, Ramesh Gowda visited Vijay's home and discussed the Channapatna bypoll. Gowda reportedly called Kumaraswamy, who asked Vijay to arrange Rs 50 crore. "When I explained that I did not have that amount and needed to complete my real estate project, he allegedly threatened me and said I will not be allowed to do business in Bengaluru," Vijay also claimed that Gowda demanded Rs 5 crore for his social projects.