Union Minister Kumaraswamy in Legal Turmoil: Extortion Allegations Surface

A case has been filed against Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation, based on a complaint by a realtor, Vijay Tata. The case involves demands for Rs 50 crore to fund election campaigns, allegedly involving threats from the Minister.

A legal case has been registered against Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, facing charges of extortion and criminal intimidation after a complaint from a local realtor, the local police reported on Thursday.

Besides Kumaraswamy, who oversees the Steel and Heavy Industries portfolio, former JD(S) MLC Ramesh Gowda has also been implicated by the Amruthahalli police.

Vijay Tata, the complainant, claims he severed ties with the JD(S) to focus on his real estate ventures but was pressured for Rs 50 crore for Channapatna by-elections, allegedly facing threats upon refusal.

(With inputs from agencies.)