I-T department raids JDS MLA's premises, seize cash, jewellery

BANGALORE:The Income Tax department has conducted searches on the premises of JDS candidate and former minister A Krishnappa and seized Rs 2.6 crore in cash, besides jewellery worth Rs 1.88 crore.

"Rs 2.65 crore has been seized from the premises of A Krishnappa, an MLA after I-T searches were conducted yesterday. He is contesting from the Hiryur Assembly constituency of the state. Jewellery worth Rs 1.88 crore has also been sealed and further probe is on," a senior I-T official said, adding that the search operation ended today.

Krishnappa is a former minister and four-time MLA. The searches were conducted on the basis of inputs received by the I-T department. Officials searched premises of Krishnappa as part of its deployment on the instructions of the Election Commission to check illegal cash and inducements during the Karnataka Assembly elections.

Krishnappa was not available for his comments. Meanwhile, JDS supremo H D Deve Gowda alleged that state Congress leaders were behind the I-T raids on the office and residence of his party candidate A Krishnappa, contesting the May five Assembly polls from Hiriyur.

"I am not going to question the action taken by I-T authorities. This (raids) has been organised by state Congress leaders, who want to destroy his (Krishnappa's) political career," he told reporters in Bangalore.

Gowda attacked Congress for playing "revenge politics" against Krishnappa, who was in Congress before joining JDS. "Has such action been taken against Congress leaders? Tell me who is not spending crores. Show me one instance."

The JDS chief also alleged that the recent transfers of IPS and IAS officers was "organised" by local Congress leaders in the name of Election Commission. "Who gave the names? ..I am bringing it to the notice of the Congress leaders at the Centre and the EC," he said.