New Delhi, 26 April 

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested a woman from Bengaluru, who claimed proximity with various 'high-profile' politicians, as part of a money-laundering probe against her for allegedly cheating people by promising them high returns against gold, cash and bank deposits.

Aishwarya Gowda, 33, was arrested on 24 April and a special court remanded her to ED's custody for 14 days.

The ED also conducted searches at 14 locations in Karnataka, including one linked to Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni. 

'Incriminating' documents related to money-laundering activities, digital devices and Rs 2.25 crore in cash were seized during the searches.

Kulkarni, however, denied of there being financial dealings between him and Gowda.

Gowda, her husband and others allegedly hatched a criminal conspiracy to 'cheat' several individuals by taking gold, cash and funds through bank accounts from them and promising a 'high rate' of return. Various FIRs were filed against them at different police stations in Karnataka.

However, the accused neither returned the money nor gave the promised return. She also threatened the investors of dire consequences in case of further pursuance of the matter by claiming her proximity to politicians.

Her custodial interrogation is under progress.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had ED’s actions against Kulkarni as 'political vendetta.'

'The ED raids are the outcome of the politics of vengeance and the BJP-led Centre often orders such action. Why doesn’t the agency raid properties of BJP leaders?' Siddaramaiah questioned.