The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the alleged embezzlement at the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), carrying out raids at MUDA offices for the second consecutive day. As the probe deepens, new allegations have emerged involving CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, further complicating the already high-profile case.
While the investigation into the MUDA scam is ongoing, a fresh controversy has arisen. Parvathi Siddaramaiah has been accused of illegally acquiring MUDA land. Gangaraju, a RTI activist from Mysore, has alleged that CM Siddaramaiah’s wife registered seven acres of MUDA land under her name on September 29, 2023. The land in question, part of Survey Number 454 on KRS Road, was originally designated for infrastructure, such as roads and pipelines.
According to Gangaraju, Parvathi acquired the land, which was initially owned by Ganesh Dixit, at a price of Rs 1.85 crore for a total of 20 acres. Out of this, 8,998 square feets were originally meant for MUDA’s infrastructure projects. However, the activist claims that Parvathi registered even this portion in her name, raising questions of legality and propriety.
After Gangaraju brought attention to this issue through an RTI application, there were amendments made to the land records on August 30 and 31, 2024, reducing the registered land to exclude the disputed MUDA properties. Despite this, the controversy has refused to die down.
The ED’s ongoing raids at MUDA offices have yielded several important documents, and officials have been scrutinizing the records related to land transfers. On the second day, ED agents brought digital storage devices to the MUDA office, further analyzing data and cross-referencing documents.
There are rumors that the ED’s investigation might soon extend to the deputy commissioners office, as officials are looking into land transfer records. Several xerox copies of documents related to survey numbers 464 and 462 have already been obtained from the Tehsildar’s office, hinting at a broader scope of investigation.
During their inspection, ED officers have found inconsistencies in the documents related to Parvathi Siddaramaiah’s land registration. They are particularly focused on two letters that were allegedly altered using whitener. This discrepancy has raised further suspicions, and officials are now questioning the authenticity of the documents provided by MUDA officials versus those obtained through RTI applications.
The ED has noticed discrepancies between the documents released by CM Siddaramaiah’s office and those procured through RTI. Notably, differences in the use of whitener and variations in signatures have raised red flags. ED officials are keen on understanding why such alterations were made and whether there is any attempt to cover up irregularities.
“Was the whitener used to hide crucial details? Are there two different versions of the same letter?” These are the questions the ED is now raising, and MUDA officials are being grilled extensively to clear these doubts. The ED has also sought clarification on recommendation letters for land allotments on a 50:50 basis, a scheme under which politicians allegedly gained undue benefits.
The investigation has disrupted daily activities at the MUDA office, with normal operations coming to a halt. Public services have been suspended, leading to frustration among citizens who rely on the office for their daily needs. However, MUDA officials have been cooperative, assisting the ED in its probe by providing the necessary records and data.
Four ED officers continue their investigation on the ground, closely monitoring every document and transaction related to the MUDA scam. Even MUDA Secretary Prasanna Kumar was seen entering the office but refrained from making any comments on the ongoing inquiry.
The ongoing raids have sparked a political storm, with opposition parties demanding accountability. CM Siddaramaiah’s alleged link to the MUDA scam through his wife has raised questions about transparency and ethical conduct. The CM has so far refrained from making any statements regarding the fresh allegations, but pressure is mounting.
The investigation has taken a multi-dimensional approach, with the ED focusing not just on the MUDA office but also on how land was allotted, who recommended these allotments, and whether there were irregularities in the process. Sources suggest that the ED has plans to seize all original recommendation letters, which may reveal the scale of the scam.
RTI activist Gangaraju’s accusations against CM Siddaramaiah’s wife have brought a new dimension to the ongoing probe. He claims that the CM’s wife had initially registered land that included portions reserved for public utilities, thus engaging in illegal acquisition. Although subsequent amendments were made to the records, Gangaraju alleges that the initial intent was fraudulent, and this calls for a thorough investigation.
“If the CM’s wife indeed registered land meant for public use, it raises serious questions about misuse of power and authority,” said Gangaraju, urging the ED to continue its rigorous probe.
The ED has not disclosed its next move, but sources suggest that the inquiry will likely expand beyond the MUDA office to include other governmental departments. Officials are expected to dig deeper into records to find out how many plots were allocated on a 50:50 basis, and which political figures might have benefited from these transactions.
As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the extent of the alleged MUDA scam and the role political influence may have played. For now, CM Siddaramaiah faces growing scrutiny, with public and political pressure mounting on him to provide clarity on the fresh allegations involving his wife.
With the Enforcement Directorate stepping up its efforts, the MUDA scam could very well become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
