Former JD(S) leader files extortion complaint against Union Minister HDK

Bengaluru
A police complaint has been lodged against Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy, accusing him of extortion and issuing life threats, sources revealed on Thursday. The complaint was filed by Vijay Tata, former JD(S) social media Vice President, at the Amruthahalli police station in Bengaluru. JD(S) MLC Ramesh Gowda has also been named in the complaint.
Vijay Tata alleges that Ramesh Gowda recently visited his home and made him speak with Kumaraswamy over the phone. According to the complaint, Kumaraswamy demanded that Vijay Tata arrange Rs 50 crore for election expenses to secure a win in the Channapatna by-election. When Tata expressed his inability to provide the amount, Kumaraswamy allegedly became furious and threatened him, stating that it would be difficult for him to continue his real estate business in Bengaluru.
The complaint further claims that Ramesh Gowda later insisted on arranging the Rs 50 crore and demanded an additional Rs 5 crore for building a temple and a school. He warned that failure to provide the money would result in serious consequences.
Police sources have indicated that an FIR will be registered soon. Kumaraswamy, meanwhile, has accused Vijay Tata of colluding with a senior police officer to engage in extortion.