Governor did not seek info on minister: CM

I shall not refrain from telling the truth, says DVS

“There is no question of changing my version. I am telling the truth. The issue was not discussed,” Gowda told reporters in Bangalore.

Bhardwaj on Sunday had gone on record stating that he had sought details on the charges against Yogeeshwara during his meeting with Gowda at Raj Bhavan, only to have the latter deny that any such discussion had taken place.

Gowda ruled out taking any action against Yogeeshwara until the charges of alleged corporate fraud and cheating against him are proved.

Bhardwaj had summoned Gowda to Raj Bhavan on Saturday and held discussion for more than 30 minutes.

Cases against minister

Yogeeshwara, who has been charged with fraud and cheating cases in the Mega City (Bangalore) Developers and Builders Ltd (MDBL) case, has been under the scanner of CID, Income Tax and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).

The SFIO of the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which investigated complaints against Yogeeshwara, has accused the minister of corporate fraud, criminal conspiracy, forgery and cheating and has recommended criminal prosecution.

Immense wealth

On September 16, complainant Ravindra Beleyur, who is the president of Megacity (Bangalore) Developers and Builders Ltd Site Members’ Welfare Association filed a compliant before the Karnataka Lokayukta, alleging that Yogeeshwara possessed assets disproportionate to his wealth.

Though the complaint has been admitted by the Lokayukta, the ombudsman is yet to register a case against the minister.

As per the complaint, Yogeeshwara’s wealth has increased by Rs 11.09 crore between 2004 and 2011. The complaint also highlights that in the year 2006-07, Yogeeshwara had declared an income of Rs 35.82 lakh.

In the grievance column of the complaint, Beleyur states that as a public servant and a minister, Yogeeshwara must have acquired assets disproportionate to his wealth “on account of illegal means like bribery or corruption”.