Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 13: The investigating officials of enforcement directorate (ED) have agreed to question Gowramma, mother of former minister D K Shivakumar, in the city instead of New Delhi. The case relates to allegations of money laundering and amassing of Benami property the ED had levelled against Shivakumar.

Advocate for ED, Amit Mahajan, gave this information to Delhi high court. On the basis of this information, advocates for Gowramma have withdrawn a petition seeking to question the summons.

Even though Usha Shivakumar, wife of D K Shivakumar, too had questioned the summons, the ED has opposed the request to exempt her from coming to New Delhi. Therefore, arguments and counter arguments will take place on the legal nuances of this matter. The high court has fixed December 18 as the date for these arguments.

The ED has also served notices to family members of Anjaneya Haumanthaiah, who is a close confidante of Shivakumar. They have sought exemption from coming to Delhi, citing health reasons. On December 18, this issue will also be considered. At one stage, Justice Brijesh Sethi, who heard the case, agreed that Gowramma is aged, but opined that the others who are physically fit can come to Delhi to face the investigation.