Will extend full cooperation to ED probe: HM Parameshwara

Bengaluru: Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday responded to the ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the institutions, run by a trust headed by him, asserting that there is nothing to hide and that full cooperation is being extended to the probe agency.

The ED initiated searches at three educational institutions linked to Parameshwara’s trust on Wednesday, reportedly seeking details of financial transactions and institutional accounts.

“The ED visited three of our institutions yesterday. I’m not aware of their exact mandate, but they sought certain financial documents. I’ve directed the respective heads of the institutions to fully cooperate with the investigation,” Parameshwara told reporters.

He added that the verification process by the agency was still underway on Thursday. “This isn’t a matter concerning any one individual—it pertains to the functioning of the institutions. We are cooperating in every possible way. I’ve always respected the law and investigative agencies,” he said, urging the media to refrain from speculation until the investigation concludes.

When asked about reports concerning a Rs 45 lakh remittance to actor Ranya Rao, Parameshwara said, “Investigations are on. They are free to investigate any aspect they deem necessary. I do not wish to comment—it would be inappropriate.” Clarifying that he had not been personally summoned by the ED, Parameshwara noted that recent property acquisitions, including the takeover of former Congress MLA Shafi Ahmed’s Engineering College, were part of institutional expansion and were conducted transparently.

Amid the raids, Parameshwara also met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday. While the specifics of their discussion remain undisclosed, Congress sources indicated that he has briefed the CM on the developments and the context of the ED’s actions.