Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar Vows Not to Be Intimidated by Delhi Police Notice in National Herald Cas

Bengaluru, Dec 2025 : In a bold and defiant statement, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said he will not be cowed by notices issued to him by the Delhi Police in connection with the National Herald case. He asserted that he would comply with the legal process but refused to succumb to any perceived attempts at intimidation.

Speaking to the media near his Bengaluru residence and later in Hassan, Shivakumar stated, “The Delhi Police have asked for information by December 19. I will go for one day to respond appropriately to their notice. If they try to intimidate me, I will not bow down.”

Shivakumar confirmed that he had received the notice on Friday and planned to consult with his lawyers before responding. He also mentioned that his brother, D.K. Suresh, had previously donated to the organisation when he was a Member of Parliament.

He questioned the necessity of the Delhi Police registering a case against the National Herald and Young Indian (YI) organisations merely for receiving donations. “This summons has been issued only to harass us. It has come as a shock. I did not expect that notices would be issued to me and my brother,” Shivakumar said. “Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued summons. We cooperated fully with the ED investigation and provided all required documents.”

Shivakumar emphasised that donations made to party institutions, including Congress organisations, were legitimate and transparent. “It is our party’s institution, and as Congress workers, there is nothing wrong in donating to support it. There is no secrecy. When the institution faced financial difficulties, our trusts extended support, and many others, like me, have contributed,” he said.

He also pointed out that the ED had previously filed a charge sheet in this matter without naming him or his brother. “We had recorded our statements and the matter was closed. In such a situation, there was no need for the Delhi Police to register a case. All our transactions are transparent. We will continue our legal fight. We have paid all our taxes properly and are free to donate our money as we wish,” he added.

Shivakumar highlighted that earlier, a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case had been filed against him, and a charge sheet had been submitted. “Even after all this, what is the need for a summons now? The intention appears to be to harass supporters of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and create confusion,” he said.

The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing of the Delhi Police reportedly seeks detailed financial and transaction-related information from Shivakumar. The police believe that he holds critical information relevant to the FIR registered on October 3 against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

The notice specifically instructs Shivakumar to furnish details regarding the amount given to Young Indian by him, his associates, and related companies and firms. Sources said that Shivakumar and his brother had personally donated Rs 2.5 crore to Young Indian, with an additional Rs 2.5 crore from Shivakumar’s trusts also contributed.

Earlier, the ED had questioned the Shivakumar brothers regarding these donations. Now, the Delhi Police have stepped in to gather further information, directing Shivakumar to appear for inquiry on or before December 19.

Shivakumar described the notice as “shocking” and reiterated his determination to cooperate with the investigation without succumbing to intimidation. He said the move appeared designed to “harass party supporters and create confusion” rather than address any genuine legal concerns.

As one of Karnataka’s senior leaders and a prominent Congress figure, Shivakumar’s response signals the political sensitivity of the ongoing National Herald investigation. The Delhi Police notice adds a new chapter to a long-running case involving donations, financial transparency, and scrutiny of Congress party organisations.

With the deadline to respond approaching, all eyes will be on Shivakumar’s compliance with the notice, while his defiant stance underscores the political tensions surrounding the investigation and its wider implications for party leaders and supporters.