CCD founder dead: Signature on note does not tally with Siddhartha's signature in annual reports, says I-T Department

The authenticity of the note allegedly written by founder-owner of Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) V G Siddhartha, who is missing since Monday, is not known and the signature on it does not match with Siddhartha`s signature as available in his annual reports, said the Income Tax (I-T) Department on Tuesday.

I-T Department further said the investigation in the case of Siddhartha and Cafe Coffee Day arose from search in the case of a prominent political leader of Karnataka. It's based on the unearthing of credible evidence of financial transactions done by CCD in a concealed manner, the I-T Department added.

Meanwhile, fugitive liquor baron tweeting on the issue said described Siddhartha as excellent human and brilliant entrepreneur.

''I am indirectly related to VG Siddhartha. Excellent human and brilliant entrepreneur. I am devastated with the contents of his letter,'' Mallya said.

''The Govt Agencies and Banks can drive anyone to despair. See what they are doing to me despite offer of full repayment. Vicious and unrelenting,'' he added.

''In Western Countries, Government and Banks help borrowers repay their debts. In my case they are obstructing every possible effort for me to repay my debt whilst competing for my assets. As far as the prima facie criminal case goes wait for the appeal granted,'' he said in another tweet.