National Herald Case: DK Shivakumar Seeks Time From Delhi Police, Asks for FIR Copy

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Monday that he will seek more time from the Delhi Police to appear in connection with the National Herald case, citing the ongoing Karnataka Assembly winter session. Shivakumar said he plans to present himself before investigators only after the session concludes on December 19.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Shivakumar said he would formally request a copy of the first information report (FIR), noting that he has so far learned about the case only through media reports.

Request for Postponement and FIR Details

Explaining extremes for seeking additional time, Shivakumar said the notice issued to him did not include a copy of the FIR.
"I had to go, but I have to return urgently. I am asking them for time and will come next week," he said, adding that studying the FIR was essential before submitting any detailed response.

"They have not attached the FIR copy along with the notice. We have already given all required replies to the Enforcement Directorate. I need to know what exactly the FIR says. Right now, I only read about it in the newspapers," he said.

Economic Offences Wing Notice

The Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) issued a notice to Shivakumar on November 29, asking him to either appear before investigators or provide specific information by December 19.

The notice relates to the National Herald case registered on October 3 against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Investigators have said Shivakumar is believed to possess "vital information" linked to financial transactions under scrutiny.

Officials have sought details regarding Shivakumar's financial background, his association with the Congress party, and any alleged links between his businesses or related entities and Young Indian, the company associated with the National Herald newspaper.

Assembly Session and Changed Travel Plans

Shivakumar had earlier indicated that he would appear before Delhi Police on Monday. However, he returned to Karnataka following the death of senior Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, who passed away at the age of 94. The last rites were held later in Davanagere.

The Karnataka Assembly's winter session is currently underway and scheduled to end on December 19, the same date set as the EOW deadline.

Party Meetings and Political Context

During his brief stay in the national capital, Shivakumar participated in the Congress "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday and attended a lunch meeting with senior party leaders. He dismissed speculation that the meetings were linked to the National Herald case.

"I meet everyone-Surjewala, Kharge, Venugopal. Yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. What's wrong in that?" he said, describing the interactions as routine party engagements.

Shivakumar also said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would accompany him to Karnataka to pay respects to Shivashankarappa, adding that any internal party discussions would remain private.

With the EOW deadline coinciding with the close of the Assembly session, Shivakumar said he is prepared to cooperate with investigators soon after December 19, once the FIR is formally provided and reviewed.