Bengaluru, May 22 (UNI) An explosive allegation has emerged in the midst of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on institutions run by Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara’s trust, with a press release claiming that the trust has made a payment of ₹40 lakh towards the credit card bill of Ranya Rao, allegedly on the instructions of an influential individual.
While Dr Parameshwara has refrained from directly addressing the allegation, his silence has sparked public curiosity and raised questions about potential political consequences. Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, he said, "I will not comment until the investigation is complete. I believe in the rule of law and will cooperate fully. Once the inquiry concludes and the report is submitted, I will respond accordingly."
The revelation has cast a shadow over the veteran leader's educational endeavours.
The allegation surfaced late Tuesday night through a press note that has since circulated widely in political and media circles. The note, which cites unnamed sources within the investigation, claims that the money trail leading from the Siddhartha Academy’s institutional accounts to payments linked to private expenditure is under active scrutiny by central agencies.
Dr Parameshwara confirmed on Thursday that ED officials had visited three institutions operated by his trust—the Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Siddhartha Medical College, and Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education University in Tumakuru.
He said the officers had sought financial records dating back four to five years and had questioned the accounts department at each institution.
"I have directed my staff to cooperate fully with the authorities and provide all the documents and information they require. These are educational institutions, not personal entities," Dr Parameshwara said. "The ED has collected certain documents and questioned our accounts section. The inquiry is still ongoing."
While the Congress leader maintained a restrained tone, political ripples have already begun. Party insiders have privately expressed concern over the timing and optics of the raid, with some suggesting the move could be politically motivated. Dr Parameshwara, a prominent Dalit leader in Karnataka and a former KPCC president, has long been considered a potential Chief Ministerial candidate—a factor that some allege may have made him a target.
When asked whether he believed the ED action was politically orchestrated, Dr Parameshwara responded cautiously: "There is a time to speak. I do not wish to comment now. Let the investigation take its course."
The ED has not officially commented on the allegation involving personal credit card payments, but officials familiar with the matter say the financial records are being examined in conjunction with evidence from the Ranya Rao case, an ongoing probe that reportedly centres on misuse of institutional funds and alleged financial impropriety.
The developments mark a significant turn in what began as a routine financial inspection of educational entities and now threatens to snowball into a full-blown political controversy. With the opposition BJP already demanding a detailed probe and accountability, the coming days are likely to test both the legal and political resilience of Dr Parameshwara and his trust.
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