kumaraswamy
CM KumaraswamyReuters

The Income Tax department conducted raids in the workplace and home of HB Sunil, a chartered accountant. Sunil maintains the accounts and investments of Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, his wife Anitha Kumaraswamy and son Nikhil. Sunil had also handled the Janata Dal (Secular) party funds during the Assembly elections in May.

This is the second time in three months that the Income Tax has searched Sunil's home and office. His office was searched during the Assembly elections in May as well, reports Bangalore Mirror.

A senior police official, under the condition of anonymity, had alerted Sunil that the income tax department was keeping a close eye on him and that some of his family members were also under the scanner of Income Tax officials. He had also alerted Karnataka CM's assistant that there could be 'possible raids', reports the daily.

Kumaraswamy was not allowed to leave his office during the search, which went on till late Wednesday evening. The reason behind the raid is still yet to be ascertained. 

Reports suggest that BJP is feeling threatened by the alliance of Congress and JD(S) and the party is looking to put pressure on them. Several Congress leaders like DK Shivakumar, former ministers M Krishnappa, MB Patil and HC Mahadevappa had also been under the Income Tax scanner, reports the daily.