CBI Summons Jaihind Channel MD Over Investments Linked To Disproportionate Assets Case Against Karnataka Deputy CM

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a notice to Jaihind channel, based in Kerala, requesting information regarding investments made by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. This development is linked to an ongoing disproportionate assets case against the Congress leader. According to officials, the Bengaluru unit of the agency has summoned the Managing Director of Jaihind Communications Pvt Ltd to appear on January 11, 2024, along with all necessary documents specified by the investigation officer, as reported by PTI. 

The notice, issued under Section 91 of the CrPC, directs the channel to provide details of investments made by Shivakumar and his wife, Usha Shivakumar, including dividends, share transactions, financial transactions, and relevant bank details. Additionally, the CBI has requested information on investments made by Shivakumar's son and other family members in the channel.

Jaihind Managing Director B S Shiju confirmed receipt of the CBI notice, assuring that the requested documents would be provided. Shiju maintained that all records are in their possession and emphasized the absence of any illegality. He alleged that the CBI's actions are politically motivated, describing it as a case of vendetta by the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Shiju, also a Congress leader in Kerala, argued that the case had been previously investigated and closed by the BJP-led Karnataka government due to the lack of identified illegality. He expressed concern that the reopening of the case ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls is an attempt to harass the Congress party and its leaders.

The CBI had registered a case against Shivakumar in 2020, alleging the accumulation of assets worth over Rs 74 crore between 2013 and 2018, which are purportedly disproportionate to his income.