Aishwarya Gowda, 33, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 24 in Bengaluru as part of a money-laundering investigation. The ED accused her of cheating individuals by promising high returns on gold, cash, and bank deposits. The agency’s probe also suggests that Gowda claimed to have close connections with influential politicians.

Following her arrest, Gowda was sent to the ED’s custody for 14 days by a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation spanned multiple locations in Karnataka, with searches conducted at 14 sites, including properties linked to Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni. Kulkarni, however, has denied any financial connections with Gowda, calling the ED’s actions harassment.

The charges against Gowda and her husband, Harish KN, stem from several FIRs filed at different police stations in Karnataka. The ED’s inquiry revealed that Gowda and her associates had allegedly taken gold, cash, and bank deposits from several people, promising high returns but failing to fulfill their promises. Furthermore, they reportedly threatened investors with severe consequences, citing Gowda’s alleged proximity to influential politicians.

During the raids, the ED seized incriminating documents, digital devices, and ₹2.25 crore in cash. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the ED’s actions, calling it a “political vendetta” and questioned why the agency never targets BJP leaders.