Widespread IT raids on Karnataka BJP MLAs

Bangalore, Oct 25: Amid the allegations of horse-trading and ruling BJP's efforts to woo opposition leaders into the party, Income Tax department on Monday, Oct 25 conducted raids at several places, most of which were targeted at the legislators of the saffron party.

The raids spanned across Bellary, Bangalore, Hospet and Kampli and as per reports as many as 60 places were raided by the IT sleuths.

Offices and residences of three close associates of Bellary Reddy brothers, BJP MLAs Suresh Babu and B Nagendra and Karnataka Tourism Minister G Janardhan Reddy's personal secretary Ali Khan so far have been confirmed to have been raided.

It can be recalled that the Reddy brothers, namely Janardhan Reddy, Karnataka Revenue Minister G Karunakar Reddy and Health Minister B Sreeramulu, have been accused of carrying out illegal mining in the Karnataka-Andhra border.

Quoting sources, reports suggest that the raids, which started early in the morning on Oct 25, will carry on throughout the day.

The wide-spread raids come amid allegations of horse-trading and ruling BJP's Operation Lotus (Kamala) . During the recent political turmoil in the state, Opposition parties, Congress and JD(S), alleged that the ruling BJP was offering Rs 20-30 crore to opposition MLAs for defection.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa recently also promised to kick start an inquiry into the unaccounted and illegal horse trade money.

OneIndia News