MYSURU: The MUDA scam case has seen significant developments, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) now entering the fray and summoning complainant Snehamai Krishna. On September 30, the ED officially registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. An ECIR is akin to a police FIR, giving the ED authority to summon individuals, interrogate officials, and seize assets. With the investigation heating up, CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, has returned 14 sites allotted to her by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
The ED issued a summons to Snehamai Krishna, the complainant against CM Siddaramaiah, instructing to submit evidence and documents related to the MUDA case via email by 11 AM on October 3. This marks the first official step by the ED in the MUDA investigation. The case pertains to allegations that Siddaramaiah and his family unfairly benefitted from the allocation of replacement plots by MUDA.
The ED’s involvement brings additional weight to the investigation, as it possesses significant powers, including summoning individuals, conducting interrogations, and seizing assets. The ED will now begin gathering information from officials and people’s representatives involved in the stages of the case, with plans to interrogate the accused as well.
In a notable development, CM Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathi returned the 14 MUDA plots, citing increasing scrutiny in the ongoing investigation. On October 1, Parvathi Siddaramaiah personally visited the sub-registration office in Mysore and voluntarily canceled the allotment of the sites. MUDA Commissioner Raghunandan confirmed that the return of the plots has been processed, and the purchase deeds have been canceled. The commissioner noted that the sites are now under MUDA’s control, and further legal advice will be sought on whether these plots can be reallocated or held until the investigation concludes.
This action comes after significant public pressure and controversy surrounding the allotment of the 14 sites in phases 3 and 4 of MUDA Vijayanagar. Parvathi had initially applied for compensation after losing land in Kesare village, and the government subsequently awarded her replacement plots in prime locations in Mysore. However, allegations surfaced that these allotments, facilitated by Siddaramaiah’s influence, were illegal and resulted in a loss to the state exchequer.
The return of the sites raises questions about whether the investigation into Siddaramaiah and his family will ease. However, legal experts have argued that this move does not absolve them of the charges. Senior advocate Ashok Haranahalli emphasized that the return of the sites will not halt the investigation, as an FIR has already been filed and the High Court has ordered an inquiry into the matter. Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, any abuse of authority for personal gain constitutes a serious offense, and in this case, it is alleged that the CM’s family benefitted from Siddaramaiah’s position of power.
Siddaramaiah’s critics, including private complainants like Snehamayi Krishna and TJ Abraham, have claimed that the return of the plots is an admission of wrongdoing. They have pointed out that the loss to the state’s coffers, estimated at Rs 56 crore, requires compensation, and while the return of the sites may reduce the severity of the charges, it does not eliminate the need for a thorough investigation.
The decision by Siddaramaiah’s wife to return the plots has been viewed by some as a strategic political move aimed at mitigating the fallout from the scandal. By returning the sites, Siddaramaiah may hope to gain public sympathy and deflect some of the criticism directed at him and his family. In fact, Siddaramaiah confirmed his wife’s decision through a tweet, underscoring his family’s willingness to cooperate with the authorities.
However, legal analysts argue that this gesture alone will not be enough to stop the ED’s investigation. Under Section 7C of the Prevention of Corruption Act, a public servant who abuses their authority to secure an unfair advantage for themselves or others is guilty of a serious offense. The facts of the MUDA case suggest that Siddaramaiah’s family was able to exchange land far from Mysore for plots in prime locations, raising suspicions of misuse of power.
While the return of the 14 sites may lessen the political pressure on Siddaramaiah, it will not put an end to the ongoing investigation. The ED’s involvement signals a more rigorous inquiry into the allegations, with potential questioning of Siddaramaiah, his family, and key officials involved in the allotment process.
Although the Lokayukta police have also been investigating the case, the ED’s entry brings new momentum to the probe. In the coming days, further developments are expected, with the possibility of assets being seized and individuals being called in for questioning. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Siddaramaiah and his family will be able to emerge unscathed from this high-profile case.
