Former Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: The vice president of social media for the Janata Dal (Secular) in Karnataka has accused senior party leader and Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy and former MLC H M Ramesh Gowda of demanding Rs 50 crore and issuing threats.
Vijay Tata filed a complaint with the Amruthahalli police in the northeastern division on Tuesday and sought protection.
Tata has alleged that on August 24 at around 10 pm, Gowda arrived at his house and began talking about Channapatna by-election. Tata claimed that Gowda told him that the party finalised giving the ticket to Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and sought his participation in party activities.
Further, Tata alleged that Gowda called Kumaraswamy and gave him the phone. During the conversation, Kumaraswamy allegedly demanded Rs 50 crore from Tata for the expenses during the Channapatna by-election. When Tata told Kumaraswamy that he didn’t have such a large amount, the Union Minister allegedly threatened him.
Meanwhile, Gowda, too, told Tata to keep Rs 50 crore ready and demanded another Rs 5 crore for “building temple and school”, as per the complaint.
Tata claimed in the complaint that Gowda sent him WhatsApp messages on August 30, September 6 and September 11.
The Amruthalli police have acknowledged the complaint but it was unclear if an FIR was registered, as senior officers were not available for comment.