Karnataka Lokayukta Requests Governor's Approval to Prosecute Kumaraswamy Over Mining Lease Allegations
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka Lokayukta has sought consent from Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot to prosecute H.D. Kumaraswamy over allegations of illegal mining lease grants to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals. The case, dating back to 2007, involves significant legal violations during Kumaraswamy's tenure as Chief Minister.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Lokayukta seeks Governor's approval for prosecution.
- Allegations against H.D. Kumaraswamy involve illegal mining leases.
- Case dates back to 2007 during Kumaraswamy's CM tenure.
- Governor asked for translation of reports before proceeding.
- Concerns raised over political motivations behind the prosecution.
Bengaluru, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Karnataka Lokayukta has approached Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot to obtain his approval for legal action against Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy. This request is tied to allegations of illegal mining lease grants to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals.
Recent reports confirm that the Lokayukta officials have submitted fresh documentation to the Governor concerning this matter.
The case dates back to 2007, with accusations that Kumaraswamy, during his term as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2008, unlawfully sanctioned a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals in Sandur taluk, Ballari district, breaching legal stipulations and facilitating extensive illegal mining.
Having concluded the investigation, the Lokayukta has filed a charge sheet in this matter.
Previously, in November, a request was made to the Governor for permission to prosecute Kumaraswamy.
The Governor instructed the Lokayukta to translate the reports from Kannada to English before returning the file.
Now, the Lokayukta has provided a translated report exceeding 5,000 pages to the Governor.
In response to the recent developments, Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, commented on the political climate in Karnataka. He remarked, “The Congress leaders once supported Kumaraswamy as Chief Minister, and now they are pursuing legal actions against him. Similar sentiments were echoed during the investigation into B.S. Yediyurappa, where a POCSO case was challenged by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara.”
However, Priyank Kharge, Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT, stated in Bengaluru that the Supreme Court has declined to issue a stay on the case against Kumaraswamy, indicating the necessity for further investigation.
“The court has explicitly noted that Kumaraswamy misused his authority while in office. What is the BJP's current position?” Kharge asked.
It is alleged that Kumaraswamy granted land allocations to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals contrary to established guidelines and the Chief Secretary's advice.
Kumaraswamy previously asserted that he did not endorse the file related to the alleged irregularities surrounding Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals.
The accusations suggest that he contravened the Minerals Concession Rules. This issue first emerged in a 2011 investigation report authored by former Lokayukta Justice N. Santhish Hegde. Although Kumaraswamy faced the possibility of arrest, he successfully secured bail in 2015.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed concern regarding the Raj Bhavan's delays in granting prosecution permission for Kumaraswamy, criticizing the Governor for perceived bias in sanctioning prosecution.
