MYSURU: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a significant breakthrough in the high-profile Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, with fresh revelations pointing to alleged irregularities by his close aide and former MUDA chairman Marigowda. The central agency has provisionally attached 10 immovable properties belonging to Marigowda after finding evidence that he, too, had allegedly benefited from the illegal allotment of sites in violation of established rules and norms.
According to ED sources, the action follows detailed scrutiny conducted during raids as part of the money laundering probe. Investigators reportedly found serious procedural violations in the allotment of MUDA sites, prompting further investigation into the role of senior officials and beneficiaries. The probe revealed that Marigowda had allegedly secured plots through irregular means during the tenure of former MUDA commissioner GT Dinesh Kumar, who is already under arrest in the same case.
Details of attached properties
The ED has provisionally attached six MUDA sites that were allegedly allotted illegally, along with three other immovable properties and a commercial building with an estimated market value of ₹20.85 crore. In total, the 10 attached assets are said to be worth several tens of crores of rupees. Officials said the attachment has been carried out under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), pending further investigation and confirmation by the adjudicating authority.
Sources indicated that the allotments in question did not meet eligibility criteria and were processed by bypassing mandatory checks, indicating misuse of official position and collusion between officials and beneficiaries. The ED is also examining financial transactions linked to these properties to establish the money trail and possible laundering of proceeds of crime.
Earlier attachments in MUDA scam
This is not the first major attachment in the MUDA scam. Earlier, the ED had provisionally attached 283 MUDA sites and three personal properties, together valued at around ₹60 crore, in connection with the same case. With the latest action against Marigowda, the total value of properties attached in the scam has increased substantially, underlining the scale of the alleged irregularities.
The MUDA scam pertains to alleged illegal allotment of prime residential sites, causing huge losses to the public exchequer and undue gains to select individuals. The case has acquired political significance as it involves allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, making it one of the most closely watched corruption probes in Karnataka.
Former MUDA commissioner in jail
Meanwhile, former MUDA commissioner G.T. Dinesh Kumar, who was arrested earlier by the ED, continues to remain in judicial custody. On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court dismissed his bail petition, dealing a setback to the accused. The ED has alleged that Dinesh Kumar played a key role in facilitating illegal allotments by abusing his official position and manipulating records.
Investigators believe that several beneficiaries, including influential individuals, were favoured through such allotments, and more names could surface as the probe progresses. The agency has not ruled out further attachments and arrests in the coming days.
Legal developments involving Siddaramaiah
On a parallel legal front, the MUDA case involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also seen important developments. A petition filed by complainant Snehamayi Krishna, challenging the ‘B report’ submitted by the Lokayukta police that had given Siddaramaiah a clean chit, was heard by the Special Court for Elected Representatives. After arguments, the court has reserved its order for January 28.
