 |
|
The Lokayukta Police in Karnataka have concluded a 138-day investigation into allegations of irregularities surrounding land allotments by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), resulting in a finding of no evidence against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, and others involved in the so-called 'MUDA scam'. This significant development comes after a special court directed an FIR against Siddaramaiah and three others in September 2024, based on a petition by social activist Snehamayi Krishna. The governor’s approval for the investigation was subsequently upheld by the Karnataka High Court, setting the stage for the extensive inquiry led by Mysuru Lokayukta superintendent of police TJ Udesh. The investigation encompassed a wide range of individuals, including bureaucrats, politicians, retired officers, MUDA officials, and key figures in Siddaramaiah's family. Over 100 individuals were questioned, their statements meticulously recorded and documented within the 3000+ page final report submitted to the Lokayukta headquarters in Bengaluru.
The core of the controversy centered on a 3.2-acre land parcel gifted to the Chief Minister's wife, Parvathi, by her brother Mallikarjunaswamy in 2010. Following MUDA's acquisition of this land, Parvathi sought compensation and was subsequently allocated 14 plots. Opposition parties allege that these plots are significantly more valuable than the original land, suggesting a substantial financial gain resulting from irregularities in the compensation process. They estimate the potential value of the alleged scam to be between Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 4,000 crore, a figure contested by the Lokayukta's findings. The investigation delved into potential violations under various acts, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, and the Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Act. The thoroughness of the investigation is underscored by the extensive review of documents related to the disputed property, site allotments, and notification processes, all of which ultimately led to the conclusion that no evidence supported the allegations of wrongdoing.
The Lokayukta's announcement of a lack of evidence against Siddaramaiah and his family has inevitably sparked strong reactions. Opposition parties are likely to challenge the findings, demanding further scrutiny and possibly raising questions about the impartiality of the investigation. The political ramifications of this case are substantial, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the significant financial implications of the alleged scam. The announcement concludes a period of intense political scrutiny and legal maneuvering, with the court case and subsequent investigation placing a considerable burden on the Siddaramaiah administration. The next steps remain unclear, with the possibility of legal challenges and continued political debate likely to follow. The Lokayukta's conclusion, while definitive in its assertion of a lack of evidence, is far from the final word on this complex and politically charged issue. The lack of evidence may not fully quell public concerns and doubts about transparency and fairness in land allocation practices within MUDA, prompting calls for greater accountability and reform within the organization itself.
Source: No evidence against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, his wife in Muda case: Lokayukta Police