Karnataka Minister Refutes Links to MUDA Scam, Claims CM's Wife Innocent
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Synopsis
Karnataka’s Minister for Urban Development, Byrathi Suresh, dismissed claims of his involvement in the MUDA scam, asserting both he and CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, B.M. Parvathi, had no connection to the case. Legal proceedings continue as the High Court has issued a stay on their ED summons until February 10.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Minister Byrathi Suresh denies involvement in MUDA scam.
- Both he and CM Siddaramaiah's wife maintain innocence.
- High Court granted stay on ED summons until February 10.
- Allegations of illegal site allocations under scrutiny.
- Minister asserts trust in judicial system.
Bengaluru, Jan 28 (NationPress) Karnataka's Minister for Urban Development Byrathi Suresh firmly refuted any allegations linking him to the MUDA scam, asserting that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, B.M. Parvathi, held a "zero role" in the entire affair.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Minister Suresh remarked, “I am very clear. The court granted the stay after considering that we had no role in the case. The matter has been adjourned to February 10, and we will see what happens after that,” he stated. The High Court had previously issued a stay on the notice from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that required both him and the CM’s wife to appear in connection with the case.
“I and the Congress party have full trust in the judiciary and the Constitution. We will comply with the court’s directives. The ED officials should clarify the rationale behind the notices issued to us,” asserted the Minister.
He continued, “I was taken aback when I received the notice. I was not overseeing the Urban Development Ministry when the scam transpired. I did not allocate or obtain any sites. After concerns were raised, the sites given to the CM’s wife were returned. The High Court Judge acknowledged these details and provided the stay. This is the first notice I have received from the ED.”
Minister Suresh maintains a close relationship with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The BJP has accused him of removing all documents related to the MUDA case via helicopter to Bengaluru and destroying them.
The Dharwad Bench of the Karnataka High Court, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, questioned the urgency of the ED's actions, asking, “What is the tearing hurry?”
CM Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, who is cited as the second accused in the case, was summoned to appear before the ED on Tuesday (January 28).
Minister Byrathi Suresh was also scheduled to meet with ED officials on Monday.
Both Parvathi and Suresh had approached the court separately, seeking relief and requesting a stay on the ED summons.
The High Court has granted a stay on the ED’s summons until February 10, pending the subsequent hearing in the case.
Sandeep Chowta, attorney for CM Siddaramaiah's wife, argued that the claims of illegal allocation of 14 sites against Parvathi did not involve any financial benefit. He sought a stay on the ongoing investigation by the ED against her.
Justice Nagaprasanna interrogated Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Arvind Kamat, representing the ED, about the necessity of continuing the investigation when the matter was already in court.
ASG Kamat stated that CM Siddaramaiah's wife is the second accused in the MUDA scam and faces allegations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The bench noted that the illegal assets in question are no longer within the accused's control. It highlighted that the ED's investigation should not disrupt court proceedings, which are already under consideration.
The court further questioned the ED's urgency, stating: “What is the emergency for probing the matter at this point? The case has been reserved for judgment. Why should the ED’s investigation continue now?”
ASG Kamat explained that the ED had only requested the accused to appear and submit documents, which would not hinder court proceedings.
The bench responded that the MUDA case is based on an FIR filed by the Lokayukta and is currently reserved for judgment. The court emphasized: “I cannot permit this as it will obstruct the proceedings before me, especially since I have already heard the related case and reserved orders.”
Previously, the High Court had also canceled the summons issued by the ED to former MUDA Commissioner D.B. Natesh.
The bench remarked that the claim that the ED is merely recording statements cannot be validated, as failing to appear could result in arrests by the ED. Appropriate orders were made to stay the ED’s summons.
Senior attorney C.V. Nagesh, representing Minister Byrathi Suresh, stated that his client is not an accused in the MUDA case.
Regardless, the ED had issued a summons requiring him to appear before the agency at 11 a.m. on Monday. Nagesh requested similar protection for his client, highlighting that the High Court had previously canceled the summons issued to former MUDA Commissioner Natesh.
The Enforcement Directorate issued a notice to Parvathi and Minister Byrathi Suresh. Sources indicate the notice was issued under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering (PMLA) Act. It was revealed that due to potential legal actions against CM Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, the CM’s family sought a stay on the notice from the ED.
