Bangalore: Karnataka police Monday raided the residences of Deputy Chief Minister K.S Eshwarappa here and in his home town Shimoga in search of evidence in a corruption case.
Eshwarappa is also president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state unit.
The raid by police attached to the Lokayukta (ombudsman) followed a directive by the Lokayukta court in Shimoga, 280 km north of Bangalore, to probe the charge that Eshwarappa had amassed properties through corrupt means.
A police spokesperson told reporters in Bangalore that raids were being conducted to go through documents related to properties owned by Eshwarappa and members of his family.
Police have registered an FIR (First Information Report, marking the formal launch of the police probe) against Eshwarappa, his son K.E. Kantesh and daughter-in-law Shalini on a complaint by Shimoga advocate B. Vinod.
The complaint alleged that Eshwarappa had acquired huge properties in Shimoga through corrupt means. Fearing arrest following the FIR, Eshwarappa and his family members have sought anticipatory bail from a Shimoga court. Hearing of the plea would resume Dec 27.
Eshwarappa has rejected Congress demands for resignation as deputy chief minister to ensure a “fair” probe. He is the latest BJP leader in Karnataka to face corruption cases. (IANS)
