Bengaluru : In a major turn of events, Income Tax officials conducted raids at premises of Karnataka’s former deputy chief minister G Parameshwara. The I-T sleuths carried out raids across Karnataka targeting education institutions owned by political leaders especially from the Congress party. The raids, according to sources, were carried out in Tumakuru, Nelamangala (Bengaluru Rural), Bengaluru Kolar and Chikkaballapura districts.

While in Tumakuru, the raids were conducted on Sri Siddartha Academy of Higher Education (SAHE) owned by the former Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara’s family, the sleuths also raided the educational institutions owned by yet another Congress leader RL Jalappa in Kolar and Chikkaballapura districts. Sources also revealed that raids were on at the Sadashivanagar house of G Parameshwara on Thursday morning.

Reacting on the raids, Parameshwara told media persons in Bengaluru that he is aware of the raids. “I got to know that I-T officials have raided SAHE institutions but do not have any more details on the raids. I have no objections and they are free to verify any documents. If they find any violation of rule, let them initiate action,” Parameshwara commented.

Acknowledging that the raids were indeed politically motivated, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah reacted saying, “Congress leaders in Karnataka have been targeted time and again and these I-T raids have been carried out deliberately. During the lections also they had targeted the Congress leaders in the same way by misusing the I-T Department.”

In Kolar, I-T sleuths have reportedly raided R L Jalappa Medical College and Hospital, according to sources. Similarly, the IT teams have raided real estate businessmen-turned-political leaders in Nelamangala in connection with Parameshwara’s properties. Jalappa’s relatives’ houses in Doddaballapura and Chikkaballapura have also been raided by the IT officials.