The Karnataka Police on Tuesday registered an FIR against Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, also a prominent leader of the Janata Dal (Secular), following a complaint by M. Chandrashekar, ADGP and head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The complaint accuses Kumaraswamy and his son, Nikhil, of attempting to obstruct an ongoing investigation into an illegal mining scam in the state.


The FIR alleged that Kumaraswamy and Nikhil made accusations against ADGP Chandrashekar with the intent of intimidating him and hindering his investigation. Chandrashekar has been leading a probe into the illegal mining operations which are under Supreme Court supervision.


“The SIT, after preparing the investigation report and having found substantial evidence and material to prosecute the accused (Kumaraswamy), had written to H.E. Governor of Karnataka seeking sanction for prosecution against the accused Sh. H.D. Kumaraswamy on 21/11/2023,” Sekhar said in his complaint lodged at Sanjay Nagar police station, as reported by PTI.






 


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On the issue, Union Minister of State HD Kumaraswamy said, "They didn't file FIR, but an FIR has been filed on the directions of the court. We will fight it in court, they are not only targeting me, but they also filed an FIR against Nikhil Kumaraswamy over his statement. One FIR was also filed against the Legislative party leader for the complaint he made to the Chief Secretary. They have been targeting me not from today, but for the last one and a half years."


A case was filed on Monday following a complaint by Inspector General of Police M Chandra Sekhar, who alleged that Kumaraswamy threatened a government official to obstruct him from performing his duties, as per the report. 


The investigation against Kumaraswamy involves accusations that during his tenure as Karnataka Chief Minister from 2006 to 2008, he unlawfully granted a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals (SSVM) in Bellary district, violating legal provisions.