Bengaluru: In a developing story that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka’s political landscape, mediapersons obtained exclusive information pertaining to the illegal allocation of Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) sites, implicating Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in serious allegations of corruption. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has recently summoned the CM’s wife, Parvati, has provided explosive revelations in its temporary seizure order, linking Siddaramaiah to the controversial transfer of Muda land.
The Muda land in question was initially acquired for a mere Rs 3,24,700. However, allegations suggest that a fraudulent denotification was executed using misleading information and undue influence. Reports indicate that B.M. Mallikarjunaswamy, who purchased the land designated as agricultural, did so while MUDA had already developed it into a residential settlement. This raises suspicions as no disputes were raised prior to the land’s conversion, which allegedly occurred based on a faulty site inspection report influenced by political connections. As a result, sites worth an estimated Rs. 56 crore were wrongfully acquired under the guise of compensation for illegally obtained sites, implicating former MUDA Commissioner Natesh in the scandal.
Under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the investigation commenced after Parvati returned 14 sites back on October 1, 2024. Yet, even after these sites were returned, attempts to transfer illegal funds have come to light, further complicating the case and leading to accusations that Siddaramaiah and several associates, including B.M. Parvati, B.M. Mallikarjunaswamy, Devaraju, and other influential business figures, were intricately involved in these activities.
The ED’s findings indicate a far-reaching conspiracy, highlighting that approximately 1,095 MUDA sites have been illicitly allocated. Throughout the investigation, evidence of tampered records, forged signatures, and systematic destruction of evidence has emerged as critical points of concern. Notably, Dr. Yathindra, Siddaramaiah’s son, served as a MUDA member during the allocation of the contentious 14 sites, raising questions about familial ties to the approval process. At the same time, Siddaramaiah held the position of opposition leader when these illegal site allocations occurred, with close aide S.G. Dinesh Kumar (also known as C.T. Kumar) allegedly wielding significant influence over MUD officials to secure site allocations through coercive means.
Further scrutiny reveals irregularities directly linked to CM Siddaramaiah and his family. After becoming the Chief Minister, Parvati submitted an application claiming her land was illegally utilized by Muda, despite the fact that the land was actually in Muda’s possession. Documentation also reveals that a crucial line in her application was redacted shortly after submission, casting doubt on the authenticity of her claims and suggesting manipulation of official records.
Investigators uncovered a peculiar situation surrounding a MUDA meeting held on March 20, 2021, which was postponed at Parvati’s request. This meeting aimed specifically at authorizing a site allocation for her, highlighting a blatant conflict of interest. Testimonies from former MUDA Commissioner D.B. Natesh corroborate that the sites for compensation allocated to CM Siddaramaiah’s wife were personally selected by him, violating established procedures that mandate a lottery system for site allocation. Notably, compensation sites intended for the Devanur block were controversially allocated in Vijayanagar instead, raising alarms about possible favoritism.
Additionally, the investigative report by the ED asserts that a variety of commercial sites were improperly granted to Parvati without following standard procedure. Notably, there are discrepancies surrounding the documentation related to the loss compensation bond she purchased, which noncompliant signatures and dates suggest covert malfeasance influenced by political pressure.
The discovery of damning evidence, including a letter associated with C.T. Kumar that was intended for the Urban Development Department, presents a further damning link between the CM’s close aides and the illicit activities occurring within the MUDA. WhatsApp messages and correspondence tied to Kumar signify his significant role in shaping the corruption narrative that permeates this ongoing investigation.
Snehamayi Krishna’s Fight Against CM Siddaramaiah Reaches a Crucial Stage
In a significant turn of events, the ongoing legal battle initiated by Snehamayi Krishna against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the alleged MUDA land scam has now entered a critical phase. The Karnataka High Court has conducted extensive hearings on the matter and has reserved its verdict concerning the potential transfer of the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Legal analysts suggest that such a decision would represent a considerable setback for Siddaramaiah, potentially escalating scrutiny surrounding his administration.
The Lokayukta’s investigation into the scam has already concluded, with a detailed report submitted to the Karnataka High Court in a sealed envelope. The court has indicated its intention to review this report as part of its deliberations, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the matter. The findings from the Lokayukta could further inform the High Court’s decision on whether to involve the CBI, an agency known for its thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of corruption and misconduct at high levels.
Simultaneously, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is actively probing the financial irregularities associated with the Muda scam. In connection to this ongoing investigation, the ED has issued summons to key individuals, including former MUDA Commissioner Natesh, who has been a central figure in the controversy. His testimony is anticipated to shed light on the intricacies of the scam and any possible collusion among officials.
ED seizes 160 house sites in MUDA due to irregularities
In a decisive move, the ED has ordered the seizure of 160 plots belonging to the MUDA as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of money laundering and illegal transactions. The order, issued under the provisions of the Money Laundering Act, comes in response to growing suspicions surrounding benami transactions linked to these plots, raising serious concerns over the integrity of the land dealings in Mysore.
The plots in question hold significant financial value, according to government assessments, each plot is valued at Rs 81 crore, with the market price skyrocketing to over Rs 300 crore collectively. The ED’s investigation has pinpointed specific individuals and entities involved in these questionable transactions, including 31 plots registered in the name of Ravi, 41 in the name of Abdul Wahid, 40 plots belonging to the Cathedral Society, and 48 plots under various other names.
Notably, the investigation revealed that 31 plots were registered in Ravi’s name on September 11, 2023, comprising 12 plots in Kuvempunagar, a prime area in Mysore city, and 19 plots located in Dattagalli and Vijayanagar. Ravi’s dealings raise red flags about the legitimacy of these transactions, particularly given the rapid succession of registrations.
Similarly, Abdul Wahid has also come under scrutiny, with 28 plots registered in his name in a single day on March 8, 2023. His transactions continued with an additional 13 plots registered on September 1, 2023, across locales including Vijayanagar, J.P. Nagar, and Nachanahallipalya. This pattern of plot registration has sparked further investigation into the motives and legality behind these transactions.
The investigations into MUDA also highlight a disturbing case of fraud involving a citizen, Manisha, from Lalitadripur village. Reports indicate that she was deceived by a couple, Pavitra and Vishwanath Shetty, who fraudulently promised to provide her with a MUDA plot in exchange for ₹30 lakh. After failing to deliver on their promise, the Shettys allegedly resorted to violence when Manisha challenged them about her money and the plot. An FIR has been filed against Pavitra, Vishwanath, and their son at the Alanahalli police station, accusing them of assaulting Manisha and failing to return her money.
