Fri Oct 04 23:43:00 UTC 2024: ## JD(S) Calls for SIT Probe in Extortion Case, Accuses Complainant of Fraud

**Bengaluru, October 5, 2024:** The Janata Dal (Secular) has vehemently denied allegations of extortion against Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and former MLC H.M. Ramesh Gowda, calling the complainant a “fraudster” and demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into his activities.

The party leaders staged protests outside the Police Commissioner’s office and Amruthahalli police station in Bengaluru, where an FIR was registered against Kumaraswamy and Gowda for allegedly demanding ₹50 crore from a Bengaluru-based realtor, Vijay Tata, and threatening him.

Gowda, speaking to reporters at the party office, accused Tata of having “deceived many people” and having multiple cases against him in Karnataka, Nagpur, Pune, and Mumbai. He called for an SIT to ensure justice for Tata’s victims.

Gowda also alleged that his phone was being tapped by the state’s Internal Security Division and demanded an investigation into this claim. He further claimed that Tata had admitted to him at a police station that there was pressure from the Chief Minister’s Office and some Ministers to file cases against him and Kumaraswamy. He demanded CCTV footage from the police station to verify this statement.

The JD(S) leader went on to list a history of Tata’s alleged fraudulent activities, dating back to 2006-2008, including failed property ventures and accusations of selling the same land to multiple buyers. He also criticized the police for not registering an FIR against Tata despite his complaints.

The JD(S) has demanded a thorough investigation by an SIT to uncover the truth behind the extortion allegations and to ensure justice for all involved. The party leadership has maintained their innocence and stated their intention to cooperate fully with the investigation.

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