Mysore: The ongoing investigation into the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam has taken a dramatic turn, with fresh allegations emerging against the Lokayukta itself. Social activist Snehamay Krishna has accused the Lokayukta of shielding the accused in the case, raising questions about the integrity of the ongoing investigation. Krishna, who has been a vocal critic of the handling of the MUDA scam, has announced plans to submit critical documents and information to the Karnataka High Court, seeking that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further inquiry.
Speaking to the media in Mysore on Monday, November 25, Snehamay Krishna said, “The Lokayukta has itself been involved in protecting the accused in this scam. I will bring all this information and documents to the notice of the Hon’ble High Court. I request that the case be handed over to the CBI for a thorough investigation.”
The MUDA case, which has implicated senior officials and politicians, particularly from the family of the Chief Minister, is at a critical juncture. The Karnataka High Court has directed the Lokayukta to submit an interim report on the investigation, and the report is expected to be presented in court on Tuesday. The case will be heard in the High Court , where a decision may be made on whether the case should be handed over to the CBI.
New Allegations: Information Leak and Suspicious Raid Delay
One of the most explosive revelations to come to light in recent days is the claim that the Lokayukta itself may have leaked sensitive information about the raid on the MUDA office. According to sources, a search warrant for a raid on the MUDA office was issued by the Bengaluru Lokayukta on June 28, but the raid did not take place immediately. It was only on June 29 that officials entered the office. Allegations have surfaced that officials from the Urban Development Department’s wing arrived at the MUDA office and took away 140 crucial documents. This incident has been noted in the Bengaluru Lokayukta’s official records.
The delay in executing the search warrant and the subsequent alleged removal of documents have raised questions about the transparency of the investigation.
Krishna further claimed that the then SP (Superintendent of Police), Sajith, did not hand over a copy of the search warrant to DySP Maltesh, whose name was on the warrant. He also alleged that the former Minister Bhairati Suresh was tipped off about the raid in advance and visited the MUDA office on July 1, removing several key documents.
“This is a serious issue,” Krishna added. “The information was leaked before the raid even took place, and it appears that the Lokayukta may have colluded with those involved to cover up the case. I urge the Hon’ble High Court to take notice of this and order a transfer of the case to the CBI.”
Allegations Against Bhairati Suresh and the Political Fallout
Bhairati Suresh, a senior politician and the Minister of the Urban Development Department, has come under heavy scrutiny. According to Krishna, Suresh was informed about the raid and took away important documents before the Lokayukta could act. This has fueled suspicions that political interference may have played a role in obstructing the investigation.
Mysuru BJP MLA Shrivatsa, too, raised concerns over Suresh’s involvement, questioning, “Why did Bhairati Suresh show up at the MUDA office? Wasn’t this an act of theft?” He suggested that Suresh’s sudden appearance at the office and removal of documents was a deliberate move to cover up the scam.
In response to the escalating controversy, Mysore District In-charge Minister Dr HC Mahadevappa dismissed the allegations, claiming that the MUDA issue was being blown out of proportion for political reasons. Speaking to the media, Mahadevappa stated, “MUDA is not a scam at all. These are just baseless allegations being made for the sake of politics.
But Krishna said If these allegations were untrue, then why did former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah return plots that were allegedly in his wife’s name? He should clarify why he took such a step if there was no wrongdoing.”
Krishna added that Siddaramaiah’s actions of returning the plots were an acknowledgment of the illegal nature of the transactions, He elaborated on the specific circumstances of the return.
The Road Ahead: CBI Investigation?
As the investigation enters a crucial phase, the focus now shifts to the High Court, which will likely decide whether the case should be handed over to the CBI. If the court is convinced that there has been obstruction or a lack of transparency in the Lokayukta’s investigation, it could order the CBI to take over the case.
The case has already attracted significant media attention and public scrutiny, with critics arguing that the involvement of high-ranking officials and political figures has made it difficult for the Lokayukta to conduct an unbiased investigation. The outcome of the interim report and the potential CBI investigation could have significant implications for the political landscape in Karnataka, especially with the by-elections looming.
The court’s decision, expected soon, will be a turning point in this high-profile case, and many are watching closely to see whether justice will prevail or whether the investigation will be swept under the rug.
The saga of the MUDA scam is far from over, and its political and legal repercussions are likely to reverberate across Karnataka in the coming days.
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