BENGALURU: Detection of undisclosed assets worth over Rs 162 crore by I-T sleuths at the premises of Small Scale Industries Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi and State Mahila Congress president Lakshmi Hebbalkar has put the State Congress on the
defensive with Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief G Parameshwar seeking an explanation from the duo.
I-T officials had, during the search, unearthed undisclosed assets worth Rs 162 crore and seized Rs 41 lakh in cash, besides over 12kg in gold and jewellery.
Officials said the department has also received inputs about a number of “benami” assets and “unexplained investments” during the search at their premises in Gokak, Belgaum. The search operations followed allegations of tax evasion.
Speaking to reporters on the "undisclosed riches of Congress leaders", Parameshwar said that he has sought a report from Minister Jarkiholi and Lakshmi Hebbalkar. Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had earlier accused the Union government of targeting Congress leaders through I-T raids.