Bengaluru, Dec 18 (NationPress) The Karnataka Lokayukta presented a status report to the Special Court for MLAs and MPs regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is identified as the primary suspect, stating that the investigation is approaching its conclusion.

However, the court expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged investigation.

The Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) for the Karnataka Lokayukta submitted the status report, indicating that certain sanction orders are still pending, while emphasizing that the inquiry is nearly finished. The court had previously instructed the Lokayukta to submit the final report by December 18.

Pointing out the delays, the court remarked: “It is evident from the records that during the last hearing, this court had directed the investigative authorities to conclude the investigation, considering various aspects of the MUDA case.”

“It is important to mention that this court had postponed any decision on the ‘B report’ (closure report) concerning accused Nos. 1 to 4, as the investigation was incomplete and the investigating officer had requested permission for further inquiry,” the court stated.

The court noted that, since the investigating agency had not provided any materials related to the additional investigation, it would have to rely on the already submitted report.

“Therefore, the learned SPP is ordered to submit the CD files by the next hearing date. Meanwhile, the complainant or the Enforcement Directorate (ED), if they wish, may submit rejoinders,” the court instructed.

Furthermore, the investigating officer applied for an extension of judicial custody for former MUDA Commissioner G.T. Dinesh Kumar for an additional 14 days. The court approved this request, extending his custody until December 31, and instructed jail authorities to arrange for him to appear via video conferencing.

Complainant Snehamayi Krishna, who has challenged the clean chit given to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, vocally criticized the investigation's delay. He asserted that no further inquiry had occurred regarding the filing of the ‘B final report’ against accused No.1 Siddaramaiah through No.4, as indicated in the Private Complaint Register (PCR).

He claimed that the investigative agencies were intentionally dragging out the case. The SPP denied these allegations, affirming that the Lokayukta was prepared to present the final report in a sealed cover to establish its integrity. He also requested the court's permission to submit the CD files.

The hearing has been postponed until December 23.

The MUDA case involves alleged irregularities concerning the allocation of alternative sites by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been accused of improperly benefiting from the allocation of compensatory sites to his family members, breaching regulations.

The state government contends that the allocations were made in compliance with existing regulations and that there was no wrongdoing or personal advantage involved. The Special Court for MLAs and MPs is currently reviewing a petition contesting the clean chit awarded to the Chief Minister, with its decision forthcoming.