BENGALURU: Following the FIR filed by the Mysore Lokayukta Police against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (Muda) land allotment scam, a fresh complaint has been lodged with the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Acting on the FIR, the ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), escalating the investigation to the national level.
The ED’s ECIR includes the names already mentioned in the Lokayukta’s FIR. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been listed as the primary accused (Accused A1), with additional charges levelled against Parvathy Siddaramaiah (Siddaramaiah’s wife), Mallikarjuna Swamy (his brother-in-law), and Devaraju, the individual who facilitated the sale of the disputed land. The central investigative agency is probing allegations of illegal financial transactions tied to the Muda land scam.
An ECIR under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) carries the same weight as an FIR filed by the police, granting the Enforcement Directorate broad investigative powers. The ED can summon individuals for questioning, seize assets during the investigation, and raid properties connected to the case. This means that the ED can take swift action, including the confiscation of documents and assets, as well as raids on government offices or properties linked to the accused.
In this case, the ED is expected to focus on gathering financial records, interrogating officials involved in the Muda case, and possibly summoning the accused for interrogation. Given the gravity of the allegations, searches at the homes and offices of the accused, including CM Siddaramaiah, are highly likely.
With the registration of an ECIR, the ED has intensified its investigation into the alleged misuse of power and illegal land allotment by Muda. The case now moves into its critical phase, where interrogation, evidence collection, and potential arrests could follow. If found guilty, there is a possibility that even high-profile individuals like Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could face legal consequences, including arrest.
Amid the escalating controversy, H. Vishwanath, a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, has called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the Muda case. During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Vishwanath expressed his disappointment with the situation, stating that Siddaramaiah’s position as Chief Minister is a significant opportunity in democracy, and it is unfortunate that such a predicament has arisen.
Vishwanath questioned the integrity of the Lokayukta’s investigation and demanded that all Muda cases be handed over to the CBI for a transparent and thorough inquiry. He also criticized several key political figures, including Urban Development Minister Bairati Suresh, Ponnanna, and Mari Gowda, accusing them of misleading Siddaramaiah and contributing to the legal trouble faced by his family.
Vishwanath launched a stinging criticism of Siddaramaiah, referencing his previous decision to replace the Lokayukta with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). He expressed doubt over whether Siddaramaiah, given his current legal battles, could emerge unscathed from the ongoing investigations. “You cannot escape this case,” Vishwanath warned, adding that Siddaramaiah has lost credibility as a leader.
Referring to the Muda land scam, Vishwanath declared that Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s Constitution allows common citizens to challenge even the highest-ranking officials, including Chief Ministers, and bring them to justice. Vishwanath voiced his support for Snehamayi Krishna, the complainant, stating, “Do not be afraid, we are with you, and the BJP supports you.”
Vishwanath also criticised the state government’s allocation of Rs 45 crores for the Dussehra celebrations, questioning the source of funds for the extravagant spending. Specifically, he took issue with the allocation of Rs 5 crores to Ilayaraja for the Yuva Dussehra event, asking how such large sums could be justified. “How will you find 1 crore, 2 crore, 5 crores for each artist?” he asked, further accusing the government of financial mismanagement.
Vishwanath singled out Mysore district in-charge minister Mahadevappa, accusing him of engaging in corrupt practices and attempting to “loot public money” through the Dussehra festival budget. He ended his remarks with a pointed criticism of the Congress leadership, highlighting a pattern of fiscal irresponsibility and unethical conduct.
The registration of an ECIR by the Enforcement Directorate has added another layer of legal complexity to the ongoing Muda land scam. As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his associates. The case, which has now attracted national attention, has raised questions about transparency and governance in Karnataka, with opposition leaders calling for a thorough and unbiased inquiry by the CBI . Whether Siddaramaiah and his family can weather the legal storm remains to be seen.
