BENGALURU: Karnataka energy minister D K Shivakumar has proved a tough nut for income tax sleuths to crack, reportedly remaining uncooperative during the last part of the interrogation on Friday.

While Kumar was cooperative on the first two days, I-T sources said he remained silent on at least 18 shell companies which he floated, purportedly to avoid tax. He did not divulge much during the marathon six-hour grilling session on Friday, they added.

His interrogation was recorded by the deputy director (I-T investigation), and three other tax sleuths. “Shivakumar was not cooperating with the investigation. He sought two or three days’ time to provide information and said he cannot recollect much since he was not well. If he continues to remain uncooperative, we will have to hand over the case to the Enforcement Directorate,” I-T sources added.

During interrogation, a team of doctors was also called as Shivakumar, a diabetic, complained of uneasiness.Later, the team deferred re cording of his statement by three hours to ensure he takes rest and cooperates with them.