Notice in National Herald Case Shocks Me, It’s Pure Harassment: Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Dec 2025 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday termed the notice issued to him by the Delhi Police in connection with the National Herald case as “shocking” and “unacceptable,” alleging that the move was aimed at harassing Congress leaders and creating political pressure.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said he had already cooperated fully with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and provided every detail sought during earlier proceedings. “It is shocking for me. I had provided all the information to the ED. They had summoned my brother and me, and we gave all the details truthfully. There is nothing wrong with our institution. As Congress members, we supported it,” he said.

Questioning the necessity of a fresh police case after the ED had already filed a chargesheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Shivakumar remarked, “Everything is in black and white. I do not understand why, even after the ED chargesheet, the police have now chosen to register a case. We will face it and fight it legally.”

Calling the action politically motivated, the Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the move was part of a broader campaign to target the top leadership of the Congress party. “This is nothing but harassment. There is no illegality involved. It is our money. We can donate it to any institution we choose. Taxes have been paid. The PMLA case is already old. What more is there to probe now?” he asked.

Shivakumar further claimed that the notice was designed to intimidate Congress leaders and their supporters. “Just to harass Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and those who stand with them, these tactics are being used. I received the notice yesterday. I am carefully studying it. Once I fully understand its contents, I will respond. My brother, D.K. Suresh, has also received a notice because he made donations,” he said.

Terming the move “condemnable,” Shivakumar added that institutions such as the National Herald and Young Indian are closely linked to the Congress party’s legacy. “These are our party institutions. When they faced financial difficulties, we supported them through our trusts. Many Congress leaders have extended similar support. This is being twisted into a political weapon. I reject it completely,” he said.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police issued the notice to Shivakumar on Friday, seeking detailed financial and transaction-related information linked to donations made to Young Indian (YI), a company associated with the National Herald case. Investigators believe that Shivakumar holds vital information relevant to the probe.

According to official sources, the notice directs Shivakumar to furnish a complete break-up of financial contributions made by him, his family members, and his associated companies and trusts to Young Indian. The police have also sought clarification on the purpose of the bank transfers, and details of any communication—whether written, electronic, or through emails—between Shivakumar, Young Indian, and any stakeholders linked to the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

The notice further seeks to know whether the donations were made at the insistence of any person or authority, along with full disclosure of the source of income used for these payments. The police have also asked Shivakumar to appear for questioning on or before December 19.

Shivakumar is believed to possess information connected with the FIR registered on October 3 against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the long-running National Herald case. Sources said that Shivakumar and his brother, Congress MP D.K. Suresh, had personally donated ₹2.5 crore to Young Indian. Additionally, another ₹2.5 crore was reportedly donated through Shivakumar’s trusts.

Earlier, the ED had interrogated both brothers in connection with the same matter. With the Delhi Police now stepping in, the case has taken a fresh legal turn, intensifying the political and legal battle around the National Herald issue.

Despite the mounting pressure, Shivakumar maintained that he would respond strictly through legal channels. “We have nothing to hide. This battle will be fought in the court of law, not on the streets,” he said.