Bengaluru, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Karnataka Lokayukta presented the investigation findings regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam to the Dharwad bench of the High Court on Monday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stands as the primary accused, with his wife B.M. Parvathi as the second accused in this case.

The Mysuru Lokayukta Superintendent of Police, T.J. Udesh, submitted the report in a sealed envelope to the court, which had previously instructed the Lokayukta to deliver the report without fail.

The bench heard a petition filed by activist Snehamayi Krishna, who is advocating for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the MUDA scam.

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty requested additional time for presenting arguments against the petition, hoping to address the matter later when the court reconvenes in Bengaluru post-vacation.

Nonetheless, the bench promptly directed the AG to present arguments without delay. The AG remarked that Kapil Sibal would represent him in court and requested time. However, the bench clarified that arguments could be made via video conferencing. The AG later mentioned a technical issue with the video setup, prompting the bench to order a resolution of the issue to ensure arguments could be made that same day.

Senior Counsel Dushyanth Dave, representing the fourth accused, landowner J. Devaraju, stated that his client does not face criminal charges, arguing that a CBI probe is unnecessary and that the petition aims to embarrass Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

He contended, "The petitioner previously requested a Lokayukta investigation, and while it was ongoing, submitted a petition for a CBI probe. The court should not waste time on this petition," adding that the petitioner concealed pertinent facts regarding the case.

Earlier, counsel Manindar Singh for the petitioner concluded his arguments, explaining how the FIR was not registered until the writ petition was filed.

Commenting on the situation, Snehamayi Krishna expressed confidence that the case would transition to the CBI, asserting that the Lokayukta's investigation was not conducted properly. He claimed that evidence shows collusion between Lokayukta sleuths and accused individuals.

"Given the extensive corruption and the evidence submitted, we anticipate that the court will assign the case to the CBI today," he stated.

When inquired about rumors suggesting that CM Siddaramaiah and his wife might receive a clean chit in the Lokayukta investigation, Krishna remarked, "I haven’t received any official information. Based on media reports, it seems improbable for CM Siddaramaiah to be cleared. We possess sufficient documents to substantiate charges against him."

"Reports indicate that officers are being implicated in the MUDA scam. I question how officers, who have no issues in other cases, can err in matters concerning CM Siddaramaiah, indicating undue influence," he asserted.

"My complaint extends beyond CM Siddaramaiah and his family; it's an example highlighting the illegal allocation of numerous sites by MUDA to influential figures. Many politicians and powerful individuals are involved in this scandal. I have advocated for a thorough investigation," Krishna stated.

"I advocate for a CBI probe, as the issue involves more than just the illegal allocation of 14 sites to CM Siddaramaiah," he added.

When questioned if CM Siddaramaiah would resign if the case is handed to the CBI, he expressed hope that the CM would step down upon this transition. "CM Siddaramaiah is encountering significant legal challenges, and we are gaining the upper hand. If the court assigns the case to the CBI, it will represent a severe setback for him. Depending on subsequent actions, he might resign or be asked to do so by the party leadership," he stated.

It is alleged that Siddaramaiah leveraged his political power to secure compensation for 14 sites in his wife B.M. Parvathi's name, in exchange for three acres and 16 guntas of land acquired by MUDA.

In the meantime, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has served a notice to B.M. Parvathi, the second accused in the MUDA scam, along with a notice to Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close associate of CM Siddaramaiah, as confirmed by sources on Monday.

Reports indicate that the ED issued a notice to CM’s wife on January 23, directing her to appear before ED officials on January 27 (Monday). Minister Suresh has also been summoned to appear before the ED officials.

Following this, CM’s wife Parvathi and Minister Suresh have approached the Karnataka High Court to challenge the summons issued to them by the ED.