Lokayukta Files Case Against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah in Land Scam

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faced a significant legal challenge on Friday as the Mysuru Lokayukta registered a case against him in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam. This case follows a court order directing Lokayukta police to investigate allegations that his wife, Parvathi, was allotted premium properties by MUDA in violation of regulations.

The FIR names Siddaramaiah as the first accused, followed by his wife Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjun Swamy, and one Devaraj, from whom Mallikarjun Swamy purchased land and later gifted it to Parvathi.

According to the allegations, the Mysuru development authority acquired land owned by Parvathi and compensated her with higher-value plots. The BJP-led Opposition and certain activists have accused Siddaramaiah and his wife of benefiting from this “illegal” land deal, estimating the irregularities to be worth Rs 4,000 crore.

In August, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot sanctioned Siddaramaiah’s prosecution, which was later upheld by the Karnataka High Court. Subsequently, the Special Court directed Lokayukta police in Mysuru to investigate the complaint filed by RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna. The complaint alleges that Parvathi was allotted plots in prime Mysuru areas at much higher property values than the land acquired by MUDA.

However, Siddaramaiah refuted these allegations, claiming that the land deal followed all legal protocols, and dismissed the opposition’s calls for his resignation, which grew louder after the court’s directive.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah claimed that the opposition is “scared” of him and this is the first “political case” registered against him. He also accused the central government of misusing agencies like CBI and ED, along with the Governor’s office, in states ruled by the opposition.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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