Should the ED Be Allowed to Fulfill Its Role? CM Siddaramaiah on Rs 100 Cr Properties Attached in MUDA Case

Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached properties worth Rs 100 crore in the MUDA case, prompting CM Siddaramaiah to assert the agency should fulfill its role. As investigations reveal a significant scam, the political implications intensify. Will Siddaramaiah face accountability? This unfolding saga continues to capture public attention.
Key Takeaways
- ED's provisional attachment of properties valued at Rs 100 crore in the MUDA case.
- CM Siddaramaiah calls for allowing the ED to do its job.
- The case stems from allegations of large-scale corruption involving MUDA site allotments.
- Investigation reveals possible involvement of former MUDA officials.
- Political ramifications as the case unfolds amidst public scrutiny.
Bengaluru, June 10 (NationPress) In response to the recent news that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally seized 92 immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 100 crore related to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is identified as the primary accused, emphasized the need for the ED to execute its responsibilities without interference.
While addressing the media in New Delhi on Tuesday, CM Siddaramaiah remarked, "Let the ED perform its duty. There’s no issue. No one is raising objections. They are acting on site allotments to certain individuals. Allow them to proceed with their actions."
The ED's provisional attachment involves 92 properties under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, concerning the MUDA case.
According to an official announcement from the ED on Tuesday, "It is important to note that the attachment of these 92 MUDA properties follows a previous attachment of 160 MUDA properties valued at around Rs 300 crore. The total market value of the Proceeds of Crime provisionally attached so far stands at nearly Rs 400 crore."
The ED further explained, "The attached properties are registered under various entities, including housing cooperative societies and individuals who serve as fronts or dummies for influential figures, including MUDA officials."
The investigation was initiated based on an FIR filed by the Lokayukta Police in Mysuru, citing various sections of the IPC, 1860, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, who currently holds the position of Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The findings of the ED have uncovered a significant scam involving the allotment of MUDA sites that disregarded numerous laws and government regulations, along with fraudulent activities. The involvement of former MUDA commissioners, including G.T. Dinesh Kumar, has been deemed crucial in the illegal allotment of compensation sites to ineligible individuals/entities, the ED reported.
In the meantime, the petitioner in the case, Snehamayi Krishna, voiced his opinion on the situation in Bengaluru, asserting that CM Siddaramaiah cannot evade the consequences of his actions.
"He will undoubtedly face punishment. Previously, the ED seized properties worth Rs 300 crore, and now it has confiscated properties valued at Rs 100 crore. In the upcoming two to three months, the complete truth regarding the MUDA scam will be revealed to the residents of the state. The Chief Minister is guilty, and this will be proven," he asserted.
Krishna also mentioned, "After the Lokayukta officials presented their final closure report and the High Court issued specific orders against the Enforcement Directorate, it was suggested that the MUDA case had been concluded and that my complaint lacked merit. This recent development confirms that the MUDA case remains open. My complaint is valid, and the legal battle continues."
BJP MLC C.T. Ravi commented in Bengaluru that the ED has uncovered substantial evidence of corruption within the MUDA case.
"What will the Chief Minister say now? Will he deny any corruption in MUDA? Or will he acknowledge that corruption has taken place and accept responsibility?" he inquired.