The Karnataka Lokayukta has asked Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to submit documents in the illicit assets case being investigated against him. The case was handed over to the Lokayukta after the Siddharma government withdrew the consent letter for investigation by the central agency issued by the previous BJP government.

“The CBI case is against you. The case has been transferred to the Lokayukta. During the CBI investigation, you have submitted information and documents. Please submit the same documents and information to the Lokayukta as well,” Mr. Shivakumar’s notice read.

Mr. Shivakumar is accused of amassing assets worth Rs 74.93 crore, disproportionate to his income. Mr Shivakumar has denied any wrongdoing and said he would pursue the case “lawfully”. He has repeatedly said that the BJP is misusing central agencies to harass him.

After the Siddaramaiah government came to power, it withdrew its consent for the investigation citing procedural errors. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenged the withdrawal in the High Court, which is hearing the case.

“The then Attorney General told me that my case could not be handed over to the CBI. I got the records of the case through the right to information. The Yediyurappa government was wrong to hand it over to the CBI. So our The government withdrew the permission and handed it over to the Lokayukta,” Mr. Shivakumar said.

Last month, the Supreme Court dismissed a money laundering case filed in 2018 against congressional leaders. The case is related to allegations of tax evasion and hawala trade worth crores of rupees.