Lokayukta Clears Siddaramaiah in Muda Scam | ED Ignored

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Lokayukta clears Siddaramaiah in the Muda scam after asking only 30 questions!
• Critical findings from the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation were ignored.
• Siddaramaiah claims no direct involvement in his wife’s land case.
• The Special Court directs submission of the final report.
• The next hearing is scheduled for March 7, with the petitioner to file objections.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Lokayukta filed a “B Report” clearing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Muda scam, after asking him just 30 questions. This has raised concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation and whether key evidence was overlooked. The report exclusively accessed reveals that the Lokayukta ignored critical findings from the Enforcement Directorate’s investigation.

The Lokayukta probe report on the Mysore Urban Development Authority (Muda) scam involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife, and others, revealed crucial details about the investigation. The report indicated that the Lokayukta posed merely 30 questions to Siddaramaiah before filing a “B report” in the case, effectively closing the investigation against him.

Notably, the Lokayukta inquiry overlooked findings by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had extensively investigated the case and highlighted the role of key figures involved. The ED’s findings could have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the alleged irregularities.

In his statement to the Lokayukta, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintained that he had no direct involvement in the land compensation case linked to his wife, Parvathi BM. “In 2014, my wife informed me about Muda developing the layout. Since I was the Chief Minister, I did not give any instructions,” he stated. This statement attempts to distance him from any potential conflict of interest. He also claimed that he was unaware of Parvathi’s letter to Muda seeking compensatory land, further asserting his lack of knowledge about the transactions.

Siddaramaiah further acknowledged that in 2017, Muda Chairman Dhruv Kumar informed him about the authority’s decision to grant compensation to Parvathi under the 50:50 scheme. “Since I was the Chief Minister, I told him I will not interfere in the decision of giving compensatory land under the 50:50 scheme to Parvathi Siddaramaiah,” he stated. He said he did not recall whether he had mentioned the 14 sites in his election affidavits in 2018 or 2023, raising questions about transparency.

The Chief Minister also admitted to knowing Dinesh Kumar, the official who signed the application seeking Katha (land registration) for the 14 sites. The ED probe had highlighted Kumar’s role in the transaction, and previous reports had extensively detailed these findings. This connection underscores the potential for influence and raises further scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the Special Court for Public Representatives heard the case on Monday, with petitioner Snehamayi Krishna urging the submission of the final report. The court directed Krishna to file objections, if any, after reviewing the report. Special Public Prosecutor Venkatesh Arabatti confirmed that the report would be provided today. The next hearing has been scheduled for March 7, with Snehamayi Krishna set to receive a copy of the final report. This sets the stage for a potential legal challenge to the Lokayukta’s findings.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Lokayukta clears Siddaramaiah in Muda scam with limited questioning.
• ED probe findings were ignored during the Lokayukta inquiry.
• Siddaramaiah claims no direct involvement in the land case.
• The Special Court orders submission of the final report for review.
• The next hearing is scheduled for March 7, allowing for objections.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio