Karnataka mining scam: SIT chief files complaint against Union minister HD Kumaraswamy and his son Nikhil

Ms. Chandrasekhar filed a formal complaint with the Bangalore police, accusing HD Kumaraswamy and his son Nikhil of trying to intimidate her.

BENGALURU: Senior IPS officer M Chandrasekhar leading Lokayukta Special Investigation Team probe into 2007 allegations mining scam in the state, filed a formal complaint with Bangalore Policeaccusing Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy and his son Nikhil of trying to intimidate him and obstruct the ongoing investigation.
Reacting to Chandrasekhar’s complaint, Kumaraswamy said on Saturday: “When did I threaten him? I only spoke in front of the media and expressed my concerns on a few points. He filed a complaint; we will face it in court.
Chandrasekhar filed a complaint at the Sanjay Na gar police station, accusing Kumaraswamy of making verbal threats against him and his family during two press meets on September 28 and 29. He also accused Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil of leveling false corruption charges against him.
HDK tried to discredit investigation, says IPS officer
It was alleged that Kumaraswamy, before resigning as CM, had given Sri Sai Venkateshwara Minerals in Sandura a mining lease of 550 acres in Ballari despite senior officials of the state department of commerce and industry telling him not recommended this. The Chandrasekhar-led SIT submitted a report to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot and sought permission to prosecute Kumaraswamy.

In the complaint filed against the police, Chandrasekhar said that as a crucial breakthrough approached, Kumaraswamy allegedly launched an aggressive media campaign to discredit the investigation. “Kumaraswamy held a press conference on September 28 and 29, during which he leveled false and malicious accusations against me and threatened to have me removed from the Karnataka cadre (IPS).”
Clarifying his stand further, Kumaraswamy said, “They have been investigating this case for 12 years. Every time they summoned me, I presented myself before them. I never said I wouldn’t be investigated.