Karnataka Lokayukta Clears CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Case
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Synopsis
The Karnataka Lokayukta has cleared Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family in the MUDA land scam case, stating no evidence supports the allegations made against them. The investigation deemed the issue civil, leading to significant political reactions and ongoing scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate.
Key Takeaways
- CM Siddaramaiah and family cleared of allegations.
- Investigation determined charges were civil in nature.
- No substantial evidence found against the accused.
- Further investigation into MUDA site allocation scam ongoing.
- Political ramifications continue as opposition demands resignation.
Mysuru (Karnataka), Feb 19 (NationPress) The Karnataka Lokayukta has exonerated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family in relation to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam case. CM Siddaramaiah was labeled as 'Accused No. 1', while his wife, B.M. Parvathi, and brother-in-law, Mallikarjunaswamy, were designated as 'Accused No. 2' and 'Accused No. 3', respectively.
A landowner, J. Devaraju, was identified as 'Accused No. 4'.
Allegations suggested that CM Siddaramaiah deceitfully obtained the allocation of 14 sites through MUDA in his wife’s name in exchange for the procurement of 3.16 acres of land.
The investigation conducted by the Karnataka Lokayukta concluded with a clean slate for CM Siddaramaiah and the others implicated.
This finding was communicated to the petitioner, Snehamayi Krishna, on Wednesday.
The Lokayukta has advised Snehamayi Krishna to approach the magistrate within a week of receiving the notice if he intends to contest the conclusions.
Superintendent of Police T.J. Udesh noted in the notice that the investigation determined the matter to be civil in nature, not warranting criminal inquiry.
The accusations were deemed to arise from either a misunderstanding or misconception of the law, leading to no actionable evidence.
The notice further clarified that no proof was found against CM Siddaramaiah and other accused individuals.
Additionally, it stated that the claims against Accused Nos. 1 to 4 in the MUDA case were unsubstantiated due to insufficient evidence, and the final report has been accepted by the court.
Nevertheless, the alleged scam involving the allocation of sites under the 50:50 ratio by MUDA will undergo further investigation, with a final report slated for submission under Section 173(8) of the CrPC.
In response to this development, Snehamayi Krishna stated: “The entire nation has been eagerly awaiting this report, and now the Lokayukta officials, who are preparing to submit it to the honorable court, have issued a notice to me!”
“It appears there is a lack of evidence to substantiate my allegations. Only those officials who have compromised their integrity can produce such a report! This case exemplifies how investigating officers, under 'pressure', act oblivious to the evidence supporting the claims,” Snehamayi Krishna asserted.
The MUDA scam has stirred significant political turmoil in the state, with opposition parties vocally calling for the resignation of CM Siddaramaiah.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also examining the situation.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has recently dismissed a petition requesting an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
