Corruption Allegations in Mining Contracts: Complaint Against CM Siddaramaiah
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Synopsis
A complaint against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah alleges corruption in mining contract renewals, prompting Governor Gehlot to seek legal opinions. The activist claims kickbacks of Rs 500 crore and substantial losses to the state.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Gehlot receives corruption complaint.
- CM Siddaramaiah faces allegations of receiving kickbacks.
- Loss of Rs 5,000 crore claimed due to non-auction renewals.
- Complaints filed under PCA and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Previous complaints exist with Karnataka Lokayukta.
Bengaluru, April 9 (NationPress) A formal complaint has been submitted to Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Wednesday, accusing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of corruption concerning mining contract renewals.
The complaint, brought forth by social activist Ramamurthy Gowda, calls for the Governor to authorize prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah regarding these claims.
This situation has escalated as sources indicate that Governor Gehlot, after a three-hour meeting with the complainant at Raj Bhavan, has sent the complaint along with supporting documents to legal advisors for further evaluation. The Governor has also sought guidance from the Solicitor General on this issue.
The allegations state that CM Siddaramaiah received kickbacks estimated at around Rs 500 crore from the renewal of mining licenses for eight companies within the state. The complainant asserts that during his initial term in 2015, CM Siddaramaiah opted to renew the licenses of these eight mining firms instead of conducting public auctions.
Furthermore, Gowda claims CM Siddaramaiah's actions led to a loss of about Rs 5,000 crore to the state, which could have been accrued as royalty had auctions been held. Additionally, it is alleged that licenses were renewed for firms currently under investigation for a mining scam.
The complainant is urging the Governor to approve prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) Sections 7, 9, 11, 12, and 15. The request also includes prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 59, 61, 42, 201, 227, 228, 229, 239, 314, 316 (5), 318 (1), 319, 322, 324 (2), (3), 335, 336, 338, and 340.
Previously, Gowda had submitted a complaint to the Karnataka Lokayukta regarding this matter. This time, he claims to have provided documentary evidence along with the complaint to the Governor.
This turn of events is perceived as a significant blow to CM Siddaramaiah, who is already undergoing trial in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has contested the Karnataka Lokayukta's closure report related to the MUDA scam in court.
