ED Issues Notices to Karnataka CM's Spouse and Minister Over MUDA Scam Allegations: Shivakumar
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has issued notices to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's wife and Minister Byrathi Suresh regarding the MUDA scam, which Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar claims stems from political conspiracies. The CM's wife is set to appear before the ED while both have filed petitions in the Karnataka High Court against the summons.
Key Takeaways
- ED notices issued to CM Siddaramaiah's wife and Minister Suresh.
- Deputy CM Shivakumar attributes this to political conspiracy.
- The CM's wife is summoned to appear on January 28.
- Both have approached the Karnataka High Court against the ED's actions.
- CM Siddaramaiah is the main accused in the MUDA case.
Bengaluru, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has served notices to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife B.M. Parvathi and Minister Byrathi Suresh in relation to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scandal, attributing it to a political conspiracy, as stated by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
While addressing the media near his home in Sadashivanagar, Bengaluru on Monday, Shivakumar answered inquiries about the ongoing situation.
In response to questions concerning the ED notices directed at the CM's wife and Minister Suresh, he remarked, "This parallels my own situation. It is impractical for two agencies to probe the same case concurrently. The Lokayukta is already involved in an investigation. Courts have consistently ruled that when the Lokayukta is examining a case, other agencies must refrain from intervening. I will provide further comments once I have complete details on the situation."
On inquiries regarding calls for a CBI investigation into the MUDA matter, he added, "In my case, both the CBI and ED were simultaneously investigating. Two agencies cannot investigate a single case together. I have already cited court decisions on this issue during my own case."
When asked about remarks from ministers concerning the CM's status, Shivakumar stated, "No such statements have been made. The government remains stable, and we are all working under the guidance of CM Siddaramaiah."
The Enforcement Directorate has issued a notice to CM Siddaramaiah's spouse, B.M. Parvathi, who is the second accused in the MUDA scandal. The notice has also been sent to Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close associate of CM Siddaramaiah.
Parvathi has been summoned to appear before ED officials on January 28 (Tuesday).
In the meantime, both the CM’s wife and Minister Suresh have approached the Karnataka High Court to contest the summons issued to them by the ED through separate petitions. Parvathi's attorney requested the High Court to expedite the hearing. The court has agreed to address the petition on Monday.
Furthermore, the High Court is reviewing a petition demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the MUDA scandal.
CM Siddaramaiah is the primary accused in the MUDA case, and investigations are also underway against others involved in the illegal allotments facilitated by MUDA.
The ED commenced its investigation based on an FIR lodged by the Lokayukta Police Mysuru under various sections of the IPC, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Siddaramaiah and others.
Allegations suggest that Siddaramaiah leveraged his political clout to obtain compensation for 14 plots in the name of his spouse, B.M. Parvathi, in exchange for three acres and 16 guntas of land taken over by MUDA.
The land was originally acquired by MUDA for Rs 3.24 lakh. The compensation comprising 14 plots in the affluent Vijayanagar area of Mysuru is valued at approximately Rs 56 crore.
The ED has also disclosed that funds were channeled through a cooperative society for the acquisition of properties, luxury vehicles, and other assets in the names of relatives of G.T. Dinesh Kumar, the former MUDA commissioner.
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah categorically denied the allegations of illegal allotment, and his wife Parvathi has returned the 14 plots to MUDA.
