MYSURU: The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam has witnessed a sensational twist, with serious allegations now being levelled not only against MUDA officials but also against the Lokayukta itself. Social activist and complainant Snehamayi Krishna has accused Lokayukta officials of accepting crores of rupees as a bribe to protect certain accused in the case.
Taking to social media, Krishna alleged that Rs 4.35 crore was paid as a bribe by former MUDA Commissioner D.B. Natesh to Lokayukta officials in order to escape legal action. According to him, while another former MUDA Commissioner, G.T. Dinesh Kumar, was arrested and chargesheeted by the investigating officer, no such action has been taken against Natesh despite similar allegations against him.
Krishna claimed that this selective approach clearly indicates corruption within the investigation process. “I have concrete documentary evidence to prove that D.B. Natesh paid Rs 4 crore 35 lakh to Lokayukta officials. Because of this payment, the investigating officer has deliberately protected him and avoided filing any final report against him,” he alleged.
The activist further pointed out that in the MUDA investigation, the Lokayukta has shown unusual leniency towards certain individuals while taking strict action against others. He questioned why the probe has moved forward only against some former officials, not against all those accused of wrongdoing.
Adding more fuel to the controversy, Krishna stated that the documents in his possession also contain a reference to a payment of Rs 12.50 crore with the term “DCM” mentioned alongside it. While it is claimed that “DCM” refers to a company, Krishna has raised doubts about whether it could instead indicate a political instruction or the involvement of influential persons.
“What does DCM mean in this context? Who ordered the payment? Who received the money? These are serious questions that need to be answered. The entire investigation seems compromised,” he said.
Based on these allegations and the evidence he claims to possess, Snehamayi Krishna has now approached the Special Court for People’s Representatives in Mysuru. He has filed a formal complaint seeking a judicial probe into the bribery charges and demanding action against those involved.
The court has accepted his petition and scheduled the matter for hearing on February 20. Legal experts believe this case could open a new chapter in the MUDA controversy, which has already shaken Karnataka politics.
The MUDA scam originally revolved around alleged irregularities in land allotment and compensation. Several senior officials and political figures were accused of manipulating rules to favour certain beneficiaries. The Lokayukta had taken up the investigation following public outrage and multiple complaints.
However, the latest allegations have now put the investigating agency itself under the scanner. If Krishna’s claims are proven true, it could severely dent the credibility of the Lokayukta and raise questions about the fairness of the entire probe.
Political observers say the development has added a new layer of complexity to an already sensitive issue. The opposition parties are likely to use these allegations to intensify their attack on the government and demand an independent inquiry.
Meanwhile, sources within the Lokayukta have denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and motivated.” Officials insist that the investigation has been conducted strictly according to law and that action has been taken wherever sufficient evidence was found.
Despite these denials, the controversy refuses to die down. The mention of huge cash transactions and the mysterious reference to “DCM” in the documents have sparked widespread speculation across political and administrative circles.
With the court set to hear the matter on February 20, all eyes are now on the judicial proceedings. Whether the hearing will lead to a deeper investigation into the functioning of the Lokayukta or expose further hidden aspects of the MUDA scam remains to be seen.
For now, the MUDA case has clearly moved beyond allegations of land irregularities and entered a far more explosive phase, questioning the integrity of the very institutions meant to fight corruption. The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining the direction of this high-profile controversy.
