Viral audio: I-T dept summons duo over Mandya fund

The Income Tax Department has summoned Chetan Gowda, son of Mandya MP L R Shivaramegowda, and P Ramesh, former JD(S) worker, in connection with the viral audio clip, in which the duo is heard discussing election expenditure.

Sources in the department confirmed that both Chetan and Ramesh were summoned. "They have admitted that the conversation did take place. Further action is in progress," sources added.

In the viral clip, the duo is heard discussing that JD(S) was spending Rs 5 lakh per booth to ensure the victory of Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy. Nikhil is pitted against Independent candidate Sumalatha Ambareesh in the high-profile Mandya constituency.

However, Chetan had earlier denied that it was his voice in the clip.