The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a money laundering case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, in connection with an alleged land scam involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The case stems from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the Mysuru-based Lokayukta police on September 27, following directions from a special court in Bengaluru. The court ordered an investigation into allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 prime land sites to Siddaramaiah’s wife, BM Parvathi, by MUDA. The FIR also names Siddaramaiah’s brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and Devaraju, the seller of the land to Swamy, which was later transferred as a gift to Parvathi.
This FIR was filed after the Karnataka High Court upheld the approval of the Governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot, to investigate the matter. The allegations pertain to compensatory sites in a high-value area of Mysuru that were allegedly allotted to Parvathi in exchange for land previously acquired by MUDA, raising suspicions of illegal transactions.
Taking cognizance of the Lokayukta FIR, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), which is akin to a police FIR, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED now has the authority to summon the individuals named in the FIR for questioning, and may also attach assets linked to the alleged laundering as part of its ongoing investigation. Siddaramaiah, his wife, and the other accused will be required to respond to the allegations as the investigation progresses.
Siddaramaiah, aged 76, has strongly denied any involvement in illegal activities, asserting that the case against him is politically motivated. He claims that the opposition is targeting him because they are "scared" of his political influence. This is the first significant political case against him, and he has vowed to defend himself legally, maintaining his innocence. He also made it clear that he would not step down from his position as Chief Minister despite the court's directive to proceed with the probe.
The MUDA land scam case has garnered widespread attention, with political observers noting that the allegations may have serious ramifications for Siddaramaiah's political standing. The case revolves around the potential misuse of government land allocation policies, and any proven illegalities could severely impact his image and career. Siddaramaiah, however, remains defiant, committed to proving his innocence and fighting the charges through legal means.
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