ED Grills Karnataka Deputy CM's Brother In Aishwarya Gowda Fraud Case; Rs 3.98 Crore Assets Attached In Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned former Lok Sabha MP D K Suresh in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged conwoman Aishwarya Gowda. Gowda is accused of duping multiple individuals by falsely claiming she was Suresh’s sister and offering fraudulent investment opportunities in gold ventures.

Suresh, who is the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, appeared before the agency on Monday (23 June). He clarified that several victims named him in their statements, alleging that Gowda misused his name.

“They (ED) asked me a few questions to which I have answered. I am supporting the investigation. They have asked me to appear again on July 8, which I will do.,” he told reporters. He also referred to a complaint he had earlier filed with Bengaluru police accusing Gowda of faking family connections.

As per a statement by the ED, the agency has attached assets worth Rs 3.98 crore linked to Aishwarya Gowda and her associates. These include flats, land and buildings worth Rs 2.01 crore, and movable property such as cash and a vehicle worth Rs 1.97 crore.

The case stems from multiple FIRs filed across Karnataka against Gowda, her husband Harish K N, and others. The accused allegedly collected money, gold, and other valuables from investors under the pretext of offering high returns. However, no returns were delivered, and the principal amount was not repaid.

Investigators say Gowda also allegedly threatened investors by citing proximity to political leaders. Raids on several premises have led to the seizure of documents and digital evidence related to the alleged laundering activities.

As per a report by Indian Express, Gowda was reportedly known to have links with leaders across parties, including the BJP, Congress, and JD(S).