Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials have launched an investigation into the alleged plot allotment scam involving the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). As part of their probe, ED officials interrogated Mallikarjuna Swamy, the brother-in-law of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in connection with the scandal. Swamy, who is the third accused in the case, was questioned today at the ED’s office in Shantinagar, Bengaluru.
According to sources, during the inquiry, Mallikarjuna Swamy provided crucial information regarding a 3.16-acre plot of land located in Kesare village. The land deal has become a key focus of the investigation into the MUDA scam, which has drawn widespread attention due to the involvement of prominent individuals.
Lokayukta Notice to Former MUDA Commissioner Natesh
Meanwhile, the investigation is also gaining traction with the Lokayukta officials issuing a notice to Natesh, the former Commissioner of MUDA. Mysuru Lokayukta SP T.J. Udesh has directed Natesh to attend a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, as part of their ongoing inquiry into the scam.
Notably, the interrogation of a government official requires prior approval from the state government. As per Section 17(A), Lokayukta officials had sought permission from the Chief Secretary to question Natesh. The Chief Secretary granted the required permission just two days ago, facilitating the process. Following this, the Lokayukta issued the notice to Natesh to appear for questioning.
Natesh, during his tenure as the MUDA Commissioner, had allegedly allotted 14 replacement plot to Parvathi, the wife of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The allotment of this plot has been a subject of controversy, with several allegations of corruption and preferential treatment. Natesh had already appeared before ED officials for questioning on three separate occasions in connection with the scam.
Complainant Krishna appeared for police enquiry
Following the complaint filed by KPCC spokesperson M. Lakshman, the Devaraj Police Station in Mysuru has registered an FIR, prompting the authorities to issue a notice to Snemayee Krishna, the complainant in the MUDA scam case. Krishna, who has made serious allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family members in connection with the MUDA land allotment scandal, appeared before the police for questioning today.
After the interrogation, Snemayee Krishna spoke to the media, stating, “I have provided substantial evidence supporting all the allegations I have made in the MUDA case, particularly regarding the influence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Despite this, M Lakshman, the KPCC media spokesperson, has made false accusations against me, filing a complaint with the Devaraj Police Station. Based on this complaint, the police issued a notice for my questioning. I have cooperated with the investigation and provided my statement today. I have also filed a complaint with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), urging them to take action against Lakshman for making false claims and intimidating me.”
M Lakshman’s Complaint Against Snemayee Krishna
M Lakshman, the KPCC spokesperson, had previously lodged a complaint at the Devaraj Police Station, accusing Snemayee Krishna of spreading false news and defaming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family members on social media platforms. Lakshman requested that a case be registered against Krishna for these alleged activities.
In response to the accusations, Snemayee Krishna denied all the charges made by M Lakshman. He reiterated that the allegations he had made regarding the MUDA scam, particularly involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s alleged involvement, were based on solid evidence and not fabricated lies. Krishna emphasized that he had provided all necessary documents and details to back his claims, including information about the land allotment process and the role of key individuals in the scam.
Krishna also expressed his frustration over the harassment he claims to have faced from M. Lakshman, accusing him of using his political influence to intimidate and malign his reputation. He further stated that the notice issued by the police, which summoned him for questioning, was part of a retaliatory move orchestrated by Lakshman to silence him and divert attention from the actual issues surrounding the MUDA scandal.
Allegations against Lokayukta of inaction
Snemayee Krishna, the complainant in the MUDA plot allotment scam, today raised serious allegations against the Lokayukta and former MUDA Commissioner Natesh during a media interaction. Krishna, who has been vocal about his accusations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his family in connection with the MUDA land deals, criticized the slow pace of the investigation and questioned the Lokayukta’s failure to take action against key accused individuals.
Speaking to reporters, Krishna said, “Is it only a few thousand rupees in bribes that the Lokayukta is going to act on? Why is the Lokayukta not taking any action despite substantial evidence being provided in the MUDA case? The accused, including Natesh, have been allowed to remain free and are making all kinds of statements. The delay in this investigation is leading to a situation where everyone involved in the scam is coming out and giving statements, further complicating the issue.”
Krishna also took strong exception to former MUDA Commissioner Natesh’s recent statement where he allegedly claimed to have no legal knowledge regarding the land allotment decisions. “Natesh says he doesn’t have legal knowledge. I challenge that. He needs to produce all the relevant records. Why wasn’t the serial number mentioned on the approval letter given to Parvathi (Siddaramaiah’s wife)? Under the 2015 law, the 50-50 rule for land allotments should have been implemented, and there is no mention of this in the documents,” Krishna pointed out.
Krishna expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. He pointed out that despite providing extensive evidence and filing formal complaints, no arrests had been made in the case. “The Lokayukta is quick to arrest officers who take small bribes of three to four thousand rupees, but when it comes to big scams like the MUDA case, nothing happens. Why is the Lokayukta not taking action against those responsible for such a huge corruption scandal?” Krishna asked.
The MUDA scam, involving alleged illegal land allotments and corruption linked to top officials, continues to stir up political controversy in Karnataka. With allegations now being made about the Lokayukta’s inaction, the case has reached a new level of intensity. Snemayee Krishna’s continued efforts to bring attention to the issue, despite facing political pressure, highlight the growing tensions in the investigation. The Lokayukta’s next steps could have far-reaching implications for the future of this case and the credibility of the investigation.
