Siddapur: Uttara Kannada District In-charge Minister R V Deshpande has stated that “I am unaware of the reason behind the IT raids on the houses of BJP District President and others in Sirsi and Siddapur’. But during the elections, IT raids should not be held,” he opined.

Speaking to media persons here on Tuesday, the minister said that he doesn’t have the authority to question the IT raids on the houses, and offices of businessmen, traders or contractors.

He also said, the forest encroachers in Kansur in the taluk have informed me about the notices, they have received from the ACF court.

Discussions were held in this regard with the conservator of forest and deputy commissioner concerned. However, with the stay order issued by the Supreme Court, the encroachers cannot be evacuated, he added.