After failing to secure bail from a Delhi court on Wednesday, Karnataka Congress leader DK Shivakumar has approached Delhi High court to get bail.

Shivakumar has challenged the trial court’s order which had dismissed his bail petition.

Special Judge Ajay Kumar dismissing the bail application of Shivakumar had stated: “…The investigation in the present case is still at the initial stage. In the course of arguments, the ED has shown certain documents like the list of 317 bank accounts and other documents of properties, etc. which shows that investigation is still at the crucial stage of examining the documents and their nexus with the assets of the applicant / accused. The applicant / accused, as argued, is an influential person, therefore, the apprehension that he may influence the witnesses or have some tampering with documents, cannot be treated as unfounded.

“The investigating agency must have a full, fair and free chance to investigate in depth so that it can reach to a logical conclusion. The release of the applicant at such crucial stage of investigation may hamper the investigation. Therefore, I am of the considered view that the applicant/accused is not entitled for bail at this stage of investigation.”

—India Legal Bureau