The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached 92 immovable properties having market value of approximately Rs 100 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case in which Karnataka Chief Minister is named as accused number one.

The official statement released by the ED on Tuesday stated, “It is pertinent to mention here that the attachment of these 92 MUDA sites is in continuation to the previous attachment of 160 MUDA sites having a market value of approximately Rs 300 crore. The cumulative market value of Proceeds of Crime provisionally attached so far is approximately Rs 400 crore.” The ED stated that the attached properties are registered in the name of an entity, such as a housing cooperative society and individuals who are front/dummy for influential persons, including MUDA officials.

The agency initiated an investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Lokayuktha Police, Mysuru under various sections of IPC, 1860 and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, who is the incumbent Chief Minister of Karnataka, the ED stated. The ED investigation revealed a large-scale scam in allotment of MUDA sites by flouting various statutes and government orders/ guidelines, and also by other fraudulent means.

The role of ex-MUDA commissioners, including G.T. Dinesh Kumar, has emerged as instrumental in illegal allotment of compensation sites to ineligible entities/individuals, the ED stated. The evidence with respect to obtaining bribes for making illegal allotments in the form of cash, bank transfer, movable/ immovable properties has been gathered during the course of the investigation, the ED said. The modus operandi for making illegal allotment involved identification of ineligible beneficiaries and making allotment using fake documents/incomplete documents in direct violation of government orders, and also backdating of allotment letters in some cases, the ED stated.

The gratification received for making these illegal allotments was routed through a co-operative society and bank accounts of the relatives/associates of the officers playing a key role in the allotment process. The gratification thus received was further used to purchase some of these illegally allotted MUDA sites in the name of relatives of MUDA officers, the ED stated. Further investigation is in progress.

–IANS

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Former Karnataka CM and BJP Central Parliamentary Board member BS Yediyurappa on Fridau that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be jailed in 24 hours once the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) takes over the probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land scam matter.

Speaking at a roadshow organised for the November 13 bypolls at Sandur constituency in Ballary district, Yediyurappa claimed that “it won’t be long before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ends up in jail”. Notably, the Karnataka High Court would be taking up the petition seeking a CBI probe into the MUDA case on November 26. CM Siddaramaiah has been named ‘prime accused’ in the MUDA case. Karnataka Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are probing the matter.

CM Siddaramaiah and his wife were named in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority scam and are currently facing a Lokayukta investigation. Yediyurappa mentioned that they have demanded a CBI investigation into the MUDA case and that once it is handed over to the CBI, “Siddaramaiah will be arrested within 24 hours for sure”. “The days of using money, connections, power, and sowing seeds of caste politics are over, Mr. CM Siddaramaiah. The public is aware now and will not fall for your tricks,” Yediyurappa said.

Meanwhile, he also expressed confidence about the BJP’s good show in the Karnataka by-elections. He urged voters to support the BJP nominee from Sandur Bangaru Hanumanthu and asked them to campaign for the BJP in the villages. Yediyurappa urged everyone to conduct door-to-door outreach in support of the party candidate. Yediyurappa stated that farmers are facing a crisis over the ownership of their lands they inherited from their ancestors over generations.

“I vow that all efforts would be made to resolve these problems,” Yediyurappa assured, referring to the Waqf row. Former Minister Janardhan Reddy, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, candidate Bangaru Hanumanthu, and several BJP leaders and workers were present at the event.

​–IANS

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appeared before the Mysuru Lokayukta Superintendent TJ Udesh on Wednesday morning concerning the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

CM Siddaramaiah is the main accused in the case related to the alleged irregularities in the MUDA. He is the first Chief Minister to face a Lokayukta probe while in power in Karnataka’s history. It is also the first time CM Siddaramaiah, who has a clean record, is facing a probe in his four-decade-old political career.

CM Siddaramaiah arrived in Mysuru from Bengaluru and was welcomed by Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa and Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Venkatesh at the Government Guest House.

CM Siddaramaiah had breakfast at the guest house and then went straight to the Lokayukta’s office. He would be probed about his role in allocating sites on a 50:50 ratio to his family, land conversion, and alleged document fabrication.

Sources stated that if CM Siddaramaiah gets a clean chit in the Lokayukta probe, it would help him to strongly argue that the investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is not required and allegations against him are political in nature. CM Siddaramaiah can face the investigation without the threat of being arrested.

The High Court will take up the petition demanding a CBI probe on November 26. The court has also asked the Lokayukta to submit its investigation report.

Petitioner Snehamayi Krishna has stated that he has submitted a list of questions to be asked from CM Siddaramaiah. If the Lokayukta fails to ask these questions, CM Siddaramaiah will have to face these questions by the CBI in future.

A high alert has been sounded in the surrounding areas of Lokayukta’s office in Mysuru. The Lokayukta had questioned CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathy, the second accused, third accused brother-in-law Mallikarjunaswamy and fourth accused land owner J. Devaraju earlier.

–IANS

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Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s son Rahul Kharge on Sunday wrote to the CEO of Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), seeking cancellation of the ownership of the five-acre plot of land allotted to the Siddhartha Vihar Trust.

In a letter to KIADB CEO, Rahul Kharge, who is also the Chairman of Siddhartha Vihar Trust, wrote: “We withdraw our proposal and request the board to cancel the allotment of CA site requested for the multiple skill development centre and research centre.”

“The board may accept it as a voluntary surrender of the CA site as per Clause 8 of the allotment letter,” he wrote further in the letter dated September 20, 2024.

Rahul Kharge’s surrender of the land assumes importance given the heat of the MUDA land scam.

It also comes close on the heels of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah returning the controversial MUDA land allotment, which had drawn criticism from the Opposition.

The controversy over the five-acre plot began in March 2024, when the Siddaramaiah government granted land to the Siddhartha Vihar Trust, headed by Rahul Kharge.

This drew quick condemnation and criticism from the BJP’s Karnataka unit, which accused the Congress-led state government of ‘power abuse and nepotism’ for extending undue favours to party members.

The Karnataka BJP also demanded the removal of Mallikarjun Kharge’s son, Priyanka Kharge, from the Karnataka Cabinet, accusing him of facilitating an illegal land deal for his family by the KIADB. Meanwhile, Priyank Kharge took to X and slammed the BJP for creating “needless controversy” over the issue.

He said that Siddhartha Vihar Trust is an educational, cultural, and charitable trust and is not a family or private entity. “The trust did not wish to be drawn into long-drawn controversies which will divert attention and efforts from the primary objective of education and social service,” he said.

He also shot back at the BJP, saying: “A person who can’t hold a bat can become Chairman of ICC or BCCI under the BJP regime, but a person who was conferred Agni Award from DRDO for Excellence in Self Reliance can’t build a skill development centre for the youth.”

–IANS

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After senior JD-S legislator GT Deve Gowda extended support to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Snehamayi Krishna, one of the petitioners in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, said that “all thieves have got together”.

Speaking to media persons at the Lokayukta office, Snehamayi Krishna stated on Friday, “JD-S MLA Gowda is a beneficiary of the 50:50 ratio scheme in the MUDA which is a matter of investigation.

“Gowda is making such a statement fearing action. It is expected that thieves will make more statements on these lines in the coming days,” he said. “All the thieves have formed a gang to protect their interests,” the MUDA petitioner said.

Krishna questioned what Gowda did for three months and why he had come out after the inauguration of the Dussehra festival.

“There is information that a site was allotted to the son of Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa’s brother. Another close associate of CM Siddaramaiah Mari Gowda had got the plot for his brother through the sale deed. The information in this regard has also been given to officers,” he stated.

In a surprising development, Gowda on Thursday lashed out at his party leader and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and advised him to focus on getting central grants for Karnataka instead of CM Siddaramaiah’s resignation.

“We are all living in glass houses. Has the court sought his resignation? If the people against whom FIRs have been lodged have to tender their resignations, will those in the JD-S be ready to tender resignations from their posts?” Gowda questioned taking a swipe at the Union Minister.

“If Kumaraswamy is asked to resign, will he submit his resignation? Is it possible for CM Siddaramaiah who became CM after winning 136 seats to resign? Is it possible to tender a resignation, if asked?” Gowda stated.

Praising the Chief Minister, Gowda stated, “Siddaramaiah is the blessed son of goddess Chamundeshwari. He started his political career from the Chamundeshwari constituency and has grown to become a Chief Minister twice.” Reacting to the development, Kumaraswamy stated that he had sought the resignation of the CM not due to the filing of an FIR against him but for “misuse” of power.

“Gowda is no one to vouch for CM Siddaramaiah,” the Union Minister maintained. “The evidence was destroyed by officers in the CM Siddaramaiah case and that is why his resignation is being demanded. Let G. T. Deve Gowda speak in favour of CM Siddaramaiah. They are up to something against me,” he claimed.

–IANS

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The post All ‘Thieves’ Have Got Together: MUDA Petitioner On JD-S Leader Supporting Siddaramaiah appeared first on The Commune.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the highest court is the court of conscience which is above all other courts. “Justice may not always be served in courts. We must act according to our conscience. As Mahatma Gandhi said the highest court is the court of conscience, which is above all other courts,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the Gandhi Jayanti event organised by the Karnataka Gandhi Memorial Trust at Gandhi Bhavan.

“Justice may not always be served in today’s courts. Not everyone may receive justice from the current judicial system. But we must act according to our conscience,” the Chief Minister said. He said that let the people praise or criticise, adding that let others acknowledge or ignore. “We must all act in line with the court of our conscience,” the Chief Minister said.

Siddaramaiah also noted that merely giving speeches would not fulfil the aspirations of Mahatma Gandhi and Babasaheb Ambedkar. “Their values and messages must spread throughout people’s hearts, and the government must formulate programs that contribute to building an equal society. I and my government are moving in this direction,” he stated.

He also praised former Prime Minister Late Lal Bahadur Shastri as a leader of great integrity and a model politician, adding that if we follow the paths shown by these great figures, we will truly honour them. “We are breathing the air of freedom because of Gandhi’s struggle. Indians have received the honour of Gandhi being regarded as a leader for the entire world,” he said. Law Minister H.K. Patil, Secretary of Gandhi Bhavan Vishukumar, and author of the book ‘Ellara Gandhi’, ‘Nataraj Huliyar’, among many other achievers, were present at the event.

–IANS

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Snehamayi Krishna, one of the petitioners who brought attention to the alleged irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), leading to a political storm in Karnataka, says his objective is to reclaim thousands of sites worth Rs 5,000 crore that were illegally allocated by the authority.

Krishna is the complainant in the FIR filed against CM Siddaramaiah by the Karnataka Lokayukta and in the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

In an interview with IANS, Krishna maintained that attempts were made to imprison him to prevent him from approaching the High Court, and he is prepared to face any consequences that may arise in the future.

IANS: The MUDA case involving CM Siddaramaiah is being investigated by both the Karnataka Lokayukta and the ED based on your petitions. What is your reaction?

Krishna: I am happy with the way things are unfolding. This development is a significant victory for our struggle.

IANS: Now that CM Siddaramaiah’s wife Parvathy has returned the sites in question to MUDA, how do you think the case will proceed?

Krishna: It’s a positive development. Until now, they had maintained that they wouldn’t return the sites. By returning them, they are essentially acknowledging the illegal allotment of sites by MUDA. This will serve as strong evidence in the case.

IANS: How long did you spend gathering material and documents for the MUDA case?

Krishna: I spent three months collecting documents related to the MUDA scam. I also received documents from others and used them to file the complaints.

IANS: Initially, your allegations against CM Siddaramaiah were dismissed. Now, with court rulings in your favour, how do you view the recent developments?

Krishna: I proceeded with the battle, supported by proper documentation. Some people initially didn’t understand the case or the evidence we gathered. However, the court has now clearly pointed out the illegalities and the supporting evidence in the MUDA scam. I have more evidence to prove my claims.

IANS: CM Siddaramaiah has said that the MUDA scam doesn’t attract money laundering charges, which are being investigated by the ED. What are your thoughts on that?

Krishna: The sites, which are worth crores, were taken by making payment of a mere Rs 1,000. The Mysuru Deputy Commissioner mentioned this in his letter to the government. I filed a complaint with the ED to investigate the Rs 5,000 crore scam involving the illegal allotment of land by MUDA, using the site allotment to CM Siddaramaiah’s family as an example. I’ve called for a comprehensive investigation by the ED.

IANS: The BJP has demanded security for you. Do you feel you need protection?

Krishna: I don’t need security right now. I don’t trust the Mysuru Police Commissioner, who holds his position due to the Chief Minister’s favour. The police don’t seem inclined to ensure my protection. I requested protection and made a written submission on August 18, 2024, even asking for a gunman. However, if they provide security now, it will be problematic for me. The authorities are already sharing my call details and tracking my movements. I also don’t fear physical assault from the Chief Minister’s supporters, as they now seem convinced of the legitimacy of the MUDA scam allegations and have stopped making statements against me.

IANS: You come from a middle-class family. How is your family supporting you?

Krishna: My family was initially very emotional, fearing that I was endangering my life by challenging the Chief Minister. However, they are now convinced. I’ve reassured them that my struggle is for the greater good, and they’re supporting me.

IANS: Don’t you feel threatened?

Krishna: I follow Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. If you have a clear goal and honesty, you’ll naturally receive support. God will guide and support you, and that’s exactly what happened in my case. Support comes automatically when you pursue a righteous cause with determination. It’s like tasting the sweetness only after chewing the sugar.

IANS: What about the police cases filed against you?

Krishna: There was a plan to send me to jail on false charges to derail my efforts in the MUDA case. The intent was to prevent me from approaching the High Court. These attempts will likely continue, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m imprisoned. The system in our country operates this way. There should be action taken against the filing of false cases. Unfortunately, the police often collaborate with those in power in such circumstances.

IANS: The BJP has been supporting you. How do you feel about their backing?

Krishna: I’m thankful for their support. It’s the duty of a political party to extend their help to someone who is fighting against systemic corruption.

–IANS

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The post Return Of MUDA Sites By CM Siddaramaiah’s Wife Will Be Strong Proof: Activist & Petitioner Krishna appeared first on The Commune.

Union Minister for Large Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy said on Tuesday that the Karnataka Congress government is conspiring to send him to jail. “In the past, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s team conspired against me to send me to jail even for a day. Now, his current team is dreaming of doing the same. I had spoken about an officer’s misconduct and exposed his story to the media. I have the information on where and in whose chamber, they discussed of sending me to jail,” said the Union Minister.

He said that he has taken bail as the law allows it. “I obtained bail as my lawyers advised me to take bail because the corrupt officers of this government can do anything. That’s why I obtained bail,” he said. Union Minister Kumaraswamy said that he has been aware of everything that is happening in Karnataka. “What happened in the misappropriation case involving Rs 80 crore? The SIT arrested randomly by including the name of an unrelated person in the case,” he said. The Union Minister claimed that he had not used any authority for personal gains. “My questioning of that officer wasn’t about my case. I had written a letter seeking permission for the Governor’s office to conduct an investigation, and since it was leaked to a private channel, I questioned it,” he said.

“I condemned the police officer’s arrogance. I revealed the officer’s background, which shows direct links to the land mafia in Bengaluru and involvement with illegal activities. Has this individual been given an IPS position to support anti-social forces? The officer is accused number two in a criminal case and is currently out on bail,” said Kumaraswamy. He further questioned the Chief Minister, saying: “What would you do if an officer comes to you and calls you a ‘criminal ‘Chief Minister’? Some officers used obscene language against me in letters written to their colleagues. These letters weren’t official memos – they had no seals or departmental emblems,” the Union Minister alleged.

He claimed that such officers misuse their power to please the government. “That’s why I had to take bail. The officer also has a case against him. He is accused number two and has obtained a stay in the High Court. I have only taken bail, but I haven’t obtained a stay,” the Union Minister said. He added that Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara pretended not to have mentioned his name by the IPS officer who used derogatory language in his letter.

“But there are also allegations against the Chief Minister. What will you do if the officer calls you a ‘criminal CM’? How was the letter written against me circulated? Another letter from the Chief Minister’s office reached me on Monday night,” the Union Minister said.

–IANS

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In a major setback to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against him in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case, sources confirmed. The ED is taking up the case after social activist Snehamayi Krishna, one of the petitioners in the MUDA case, filed the complaint.

The sources said the case will be taken up under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The ED will investigate the money transactions linked to the MUDA case, the sources added. Krishna, the complainant, reacting to the development, stated he had complained with the ED against CM Siddaramaiah. “The ED has acknowledged my complaint. They will verify whether the complaint will come under the PMLA Act, 2001.”

Krishna has sought an investigation into the misuse of official powers by CM Siddaramaiah in connection with the illegal allotment of 14 sites by MUDA in favour of Parvathy, wife of Siddaramaiah, and huge scam by MUDA authorities and the commission of an offence under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He had also submitted all the complaints and orders of courts linked to the case. The Governor’s sanction for prosecution, FIR filed by Lokayukta, order copy of the Special Court and other documents have been submitted to the ED.

The activist submitted these documents to the Bengaluru office of the ED on Monday. He also filed a petition before the High Court seeking the investigation of the MUDA case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Karnataka Lokayukta is investigating the MUDA scam and preparing to initiate legal action against the accused. Meanwhile, Krishna expressed displeasure over the investigation by the agency that directly comes under the Karnataka Congress government.

He said that he has no trust in the Lokayukta investigation and will approach the CBI and the ED. In the Valmiki Tribal Welfare Board case, the state government formed the SIT to initially investigate. The ED joined the investigation later and arrested sitting minister B. Nagendra. However, the SIT, which submitted its chargesheet to the court, does not mention Nagendra’s name in the case.

–IANS

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The post After Lokayukta, ED Files Case Against CM Siddaramaiah In MUDA Case appeared first on The Commune.

The Special Court for MLAs/MPs has directed the Mysuru Lokayukta to register the case under Section 156 (3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure for the offences punishable under various IPS Sections, the Prevention of Corruption Act and other acts against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

The court had pronounced the order on Wednesday. The copy of the order further says: “Acting under Section 153 (6) of Code of Criminal Procedure, the jurisdictional police i.e. Superintendent of Police, Karnataka Lokayukta, Mysuru is hereby directed to register the case, investigate and to file a report as contemplated under Section 173 of Cr PC within a period of 3 months from today.” Judge Santhosh Gajanana Bhat said to investigate the case for the offences punishable under Section 120B, 166, 403, 406, 420, 426, 465, 468, 340, 351 and other relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). “And also for the offences punishable under Sections 9 and 13 of the Prevention of the Corruption Act, 1988 and under Sections 3, 53 and 54 of the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 and 3, 4 of Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Act, 2011,” reads the order. The order mentions that the office is hereby directed to register the complaint as PCR. “Further, the office is hereby directed to communicate the above orders of the court forthwith to the above said jurisdictional police, the order states. The matter will be called before the court on Dec 24, 2024.”

The complainant Snehamayi Krishna has registered a complaint regarding the MUDA scam naming Siddaramaiah as the accused number one, his Parvathy as the second accused, his brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy as the third, land owner Devaraju as the fourth accused. The Lokayukta will have to lodge an FIR against Siddaramaiah and others as per the directions of the court now.

The petitioner Snehamayi Krishna had alleged that the Lokayukta was unresponsive when he approached the office with the order of the court. Sources said that the Lokayukta top brass had held a meeting at the Lokayukta headquarters in Bengaluru regarding the future course of action. They said that the FIR against Siddaramaiah would be lodged soon.

–IANS

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