Lokayukta files FIR against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in MUDA land scam case
The Mysuru Lokayukta has registered a case against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah concerning an alleged land scam involving the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). This action follows a court directive ordering an investigation into accusations that MUDA allocated premium plots to Siddaramaiah's wife, Parvathi, in violation of regulations. The First Information Report (FIR) names Siddaramaiah as the main accused, followed by his wife Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjun Swamy, and another individual named Devaraj.
The allegations claim that MUDA acquired land from Parvathi and compensated her with higher-value plots, leading to accusations from the BJP and activists that the deal was illegal, with estimates of irregularities reaching ₹4,000 crore. In August, Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot approved prosecuting Siddaramaiah, a decision upheld by the Karnataka High Court. Subsequently, a Special Court ordered the Lokayukta police to investigate, following a complaint from RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna.
The complaint alleges that under MUDA’s 50:50 land allocation scheme, Parvathi received compensatory plots, despite not holding legal ownership of the land in question. Siddaramaiah, however, has denied any wrongdoing, rejecting calls for his resignation and calling the case politically motivated. He further accused the opposition of targeting him out of fear, and criticized the misuse of central agencies like the CBI and ED.
The court has instructed the Lokayukta to investigate under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, with a report due within three months. The case presents a significant legal challenge for Siddaramaiah, whose wife and relatives are also implicated.