MYSURU: The Mysuru Lokayukta police are preparing to launch an in-depth investigation into the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, a controversy that has placed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a challenging position. Four investigation teams have been formed, and the fieldwork is set to begin on Monday. In a fresh development, complainant Snehamayi Krishna has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED), further complicating the CM’s situation.
In his 16-page email and letter addressed to the Bengaluru director of the ED, Snehamayi Krishna detailed his allegations of malpractices within MUDA, urging for an investigation under the Money Laundering Act. He has accused CM Siddaramaiah of abusing his power to illegally acquire 14 plots of land in his wife’s name, escalating tensions within Karnataka’s political landscape.
The allegation that MUDA illegally allotted land to Siddaramaiah’s wife has sparked a political storm in the state. An FIR has been registered against the Chief Minister and his wife in connection with the alleged scam. Given that the coming days are holidays, it is expected that the investigation will formally commence on Monday.
Lokayukta SP Udesh held a meeting at the Lokayukta office in Mysore to outline the investigation strategy, forming four teams. The teams include Mysore Lokayukta SP Udesh, DySP Malatish, Chamarajanagar DySP Mathew Thomas, and an inspector.
In a related move, after the Lokayukta police filed an FIR against CM Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi, and others, complainant Snehamai Krishna has taken the matter to the High Court. He has filed a writ petition requesting that the entire case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.
Snehamai Krishna expressed doubts regarding the impartiality of the Lokayukta’s investigation, citing potential influence due to Siddaramaiah’s involvement. He argued that since the Chief Minister holds significant power, there is a likelihood that state investigative agencies, including the Lokayukta police, could be influenced. In his writ petition, Krishna stated that only a CBI probe could ensure a fair and unbiased investigation.
The petition also pointed out that as the head of state, the 9th respondent (Siddaramaiah) wields immense authority over state departments, which could affect the outcome of the investigation. It further emphasized that the misuse of power by Siddaramaiah and his family members necessitates an independent and transparent inquiry.
In the writ petition, the central government has been listed as the first respondent, while CM Siddaramaiah is the ninth respondent. His wife, Parvathi, and brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy have also been named in the petition, along with other key officials and departments.
Krishna’s petition highlights the abuse of public office and how the alleged irregularities in MUDA have undermined the public interest. It calls for a CBI investigation to determine the scale of the scam and ensure those responsible for misusing their power are held accountable.
The writ petition references a Supreme Court case involving Mitalesh Kumar Singh vs. the Government of Rajasthan, where the need for an impartial CBI investigation was upheld to protect the fairness of the trial. Krishna has drawn parallels to this case, arguing that the current investigation may not result in an impartial outcome given Siddaramaiah’s position and influence.
Krishna’s complaint also stresses the constitutional right to a fair, speedy, and transparent investigation, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of India. This right is vital for the citizens of the state, especially when the allegations involve high-ranking officials like the Chief Minister and his family. The petition underscores that public office was allegedly misused for personal gain, causing significant financial loss to MUDA and the state government.
According to Krishna, the scandal has caused substantial damage to the state exchequer, with the CM and his associates accused of favoritism, power abuse, and obtaining illegal benefits. The petition calls for the central agency to take over the investigation to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the system.
The developments surrounding the MUDA scam have added considerable pressure on CM Siddaramaiah, with the Lokayukta and potentially the CBI investigating the case. With the political stakes rising, the findings of these investigations could have far-reaching implications for the state’s administration and its leadership. The next hearing of the case is expected to take place soon, and the investigation’s outcome will be closely watched across Karnataka.
