Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 19: Relating to case alleging offences under money laundering registered by enforcement directorate (ED) against former minster, D K Shivakumar and others, the state high court, on Wednesday December 18, ordered the ED to record statement of Gowramma (85), mother of Shivakumar, at her residence in Kanakapura taluk of Ramanagara district.

The single judge bench of the high court presided over by Justice G Narendar passed this order after taking up a petition filed by Gowramma questioning the summons served her on October 9 this year for her appearance before the ED.

The high court passed this order after additional solicitor general M B Naragund, told the court that the ED has no objection to record the statement at the lady's residence at her village, Rampur Doddi in Kanapura taluk but expressed the concern of facing obstacles considering political backgrounds of her sons and instances of protests held in the past.

The court said that the ED can seek police protection and directed the police to extend protection to the team of officials as and when a request is made by the ED.

When the counsel for the petitioner sought for the presence of an interpreter during the recording of statements as official from outside the state could be recording the statement, the additional solicitor general opposed the request, stating that the statement would be recorded in a language known to Gowramma. The court directed the ED to audio record the conversation in order to obviate any confusion at a later date, and to submit the same to court in case of need. The additional solicitor general also said that Gowramma is currently being treated as a witness in the case and no apprehension of any coercive action is contemplated against her. He also said that statements of several persons have already been recorded by the ED in this case.