PRESS RELEASE
26/04/2025
Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bengaluru Zonal Office has arrested Ms Aishwarya Gowda, under
section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 on 24.04.2025 for being found involved
in the offense of money laundering. After the arrest, she was produced before the Hon’ble Special Court (PMLA)
and the Hon’ble Court was pleased to grant ED custody of the accused for 14 days.
ED also conducted search operations at 14 locations related to Ms Aishwarya Gowda and her
accomplices on 24.04.2025 and 25.04.2025 under the provisions of PMLA, 2002. During the said search
operations, various incriminating documents related to money laundering activities through movable/immovable
properties and other digital devices have been found and seized. In addition to the evidences, the Proceeds of
Crime in the form of cash to the tune of Rs. 2.25 Crore (approx.) was also found and seized.
Earlier, ED initiated investigation on the basis of Multiple FIRs registered by the various Police Stations
of Karnataka against Smt. Aishwarya Gowda, her husband Harish KN and others under various sections of
IPC/BNSS. The allegation in the FIRs is that Smt. Aishwarya Gowda, her husband Harish KN and others have
entered into a criminal conspiracy to defraud and cheat several individuals by taking Gold, Cash and funds
through Bank accounts from them promising high rate of return. However, the accused has neither returned the
money nor given the promised return and also threatened the investors of dire consequences in case of further
pursuance of the matter by claiming her proximity to various high profile politicians.
Subsequent to the arrest of Smt. Aishwarya Gowda and grant of 14 days custody to the ED by the
Hon’ble Court of Addl. City & Civil Sessions Judge, Bengaluru, her custodial interrogation and investigation is
under progress.
Further investigation under is under progress.
ED Conducts Major Operation Against Money Laundering in Bengaluru
