IT department harassed CCD Owner: HD Kumaraswamy

Former Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy condemned the Income Tax officials for allegedly harassing VG Siddhartha, owner of Cafe Coffee Day, as he stated in the letter he left for the Board of Directors. The leader said, "The departments are harassing people. Don't know what they want. They are misusing their offices. Legal action is different. They are free to do anything but at the same time, they have to give a free hand to people to come out of day-to-day difficulties. This isn't happening in this country now."

The politician added that Siddhartha was a role model for youngsters and that he was shocked to hear about the developments surrounding him. He said, "When I heard the news this morning I was shocked. Officials are searching for the body. He gave life to many villagers. Siddhartha faced several challenges. He is a role model for youngsters. I met him 7 months back. He spoke about the income tax raids but didn't make any charges against anyone. But I saw his last letter in the media and it is surprising. Friends also told him to sell the assets but there are some issues with few debts."