MUDA Land 'Scam': ED Names Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Family Members, Officials In Investigation

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his family members, and senior officials of the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) have reportedly been named in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into an alleged Rs 56 crore land allotment scam.

The investigation revealed large-scale irregularities, including illegal de-notification of government-acquired land and fraudulent land conversion, India Today reported.

The ED report reportedly uncovers serious lapses, including document forgery, political influence, and misuse of official powers.

A key concern is the illegal de-notification of land acquired for public use, allegedly done without expert review or due diligence.

At the time, Siddaramaiah was deputy chief minister and a MUDA board member. However, the report states that he was not present at the meeting where the de-notification was approved.

The investigation uncovered fraudulent land conversions, with revenue department officials forging inspection reports to falsely claim that MUDA had not developed the land.

Satellite imagery and official records contradicted these claims.

A key indemnity bond, submitted by BM Mallikarjuna Swamy, a prime suspect in the case, was unsigned, raising suspicions of document manipulation.

One of the most contentious revelations is the illegal allotment of 14 high-value plots to B M Parvathi, Siddaramaiah’s wife, in clear violation of statutory guidelines.

These sites were later returned to MUDA after the ED launched its probe, but the report suggests the entire process was a coordinated effort to acquire prime land.

The report also highlights the role of Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, who was a MUDA board member and an MLA when the illegal allotments took place.

Siddaramaiah's close aide, S G Dinesh Kumar (also know as C T Kumar), has been accused of forgery and manipulating site allotments in favour of Parvathi.

The ED investigation has reportedly confirmed violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Those named in the case include Siddaramaiah, BM Parvathi, BM Mallikarjuna Swamy, J Devaraju, and several unidentified MUDA officials and real estate businessmen.

Despite Parvathi returning the land on 1 October 2024, the ED maintains that money laundering charges under Section 3 of PMLA still stand.

The investigation points to collusion between political figures and MUDA officials, including then-MUDA Commissioner D B Natesh. The ED is now expanding its probe into financial transactions and potential concealment of illegally acquired assets.

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